Your questions answered

1. I think i've lost my first love for God and desperately want to regain it. However whenever i try to seek God, i don't feel His presence anymore. What must I do to change this? 

It is very touching to see your concern for your spiritual life because few are those who are mature enough to recognise the importance of their spiritual lives.

You say that you have lost your first love, meaning you did have it before. In this case you should examine yourself. Look at how your life used to be when you had the first love, that is, look at what you used to do to be close to God and then compare it to now. What aren’t you doing anymore?

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place —unless you repent.” (Rev 2.4-5) Also, remember that you must not live by your feelings. Faith is what will bring you closer to God. So return to your first works believing that you are getting closer to God, regardless of how you are feeling!

 

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2.Is it a sin to have a tattoo? I’ve been thinking of having one done to show my love for my child, please advise.

Dear reader it is really good to hear that you are seeking to know what is right or wrong before going ahead with anything. Although, the Bible is very clear about where God stands when it comes to tattoos.

It is not God's will for us to have tattoos on our bodies, as its stated in Leviticus when He says: “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19.28) I believe this verse explains everything.

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3. Is it wrong for me to play the lottery or bingo? If I won it would help me with a lot of things

Hello friend, the Bible says, ‘My just shall live by his faith’. (Habakkuk 2.4) And so as someone who believes in the Word of God, you should live by what it says. Living by faith is the complete opposite of living by luck – which is what bingo and the lottery encourage.

It is nothing more than just a quick and easy way for you to waste your money. How much would you have to spend before wining even a pound? Where is your faith? Don't waste all your energy worrying about the state of your finances, instead fight for it to change. Make your Chain of Prayer every Monday and God will honour your faith. God bless you.

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4. My fiancé is a faithful and sincere man of God. The main problem is his lack of financial stability. He is forty and is literally broke. He has two children whose mothers are not in the picture due to death/separation and will not be able to contribute to the marriage household. I have a good job but I also have a lot of debt. Is it wrong to place so much emphasis on his financial situation?

Financial problems are the number one cause of relationship break-ups. Although you may love one another, to marry at this moment would not be the best decision as you are both financially unstable. He is already under pressure to support his children and will not be able to support you as a husband. I suggest you both start a Chain of Prayer on Mondays to solve your financial issues. Also are you both faithful tithers? If not, this is the first step to financial stability.

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5. My family often visit our dead relatives at the cemetery and I have been invited to go along. I don’t want to go, but my father insists I do. Please advise me on what’s best.

In the Bible, David had a terminally ill son. He fasted and slept on the ground all night, pleading for his son’s life, not knowing that the child would eventually die. When this happened David got up, washed and anointed himself, and then worshipped the Lord. David’s servants couldn’t understand his reaction – while the child was alive he fasted and wept, now that the child is dead he seemed at peace.

David’s explanation was this: “I did what I could while the child was alive; now that the child is dead, can I bring the child back?”

If you decide to, you can go to the cemetery with your family just to avoid conflict. While there, take time to tell them David’s story and explain the importance of doing the best we can for others while they are alive. You can also speak to them about securing their salvation for when death comes – since nobody escapes it. If they have any questions about life or death, invite them to speak to a pastor at their nearest UCKG HelpCentre.

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6.My husband controls all the money we earn and many times, doesn’t agree with my shopping decisions. What can I do to gain more control over our finances? He doesn’t listen to my complaints.

Dear reader, I believe that whether your husband is a Christian or not, you definitely must first and foremost gain his trust in order for him to have peace of mind that the money will be spent wisely. Do not disrespect his decisions; after all, he is your husband and therefore, head of the family.

However, I advice you to be faithful to God and pray over this matter, and through your constant intercession, God can change his heart in a way that the family income will be spent with mutual agreement.

God needs you to leave your past and your feelings behind – not because you love that person any less, but so that He can fulfil His marvellous plan in your life. For this to happen you need to be strong and very courageous.

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7.Since losing a loved one, I can’t help but feel grieved. It’s hard for me to forget the person and I can’t seem to move on with my life. I need encouragement, please help.

It’s quite normal to miss a loved one because we cared about them deeply. Joshua also grieved the death of Moses but God told him to ARISE, to leave the past behind and to look forward. Read (Joshua 1.1.9). God would never have asked Joshua to be strong and very courageous if what he had to face was something easy.

God needs you to leave your past and your feelings behind – not because you love that person any less, but so that He can fulfil His marvellous plan in your life. For this to happen you need to be strong and very courageous.

Learn to invest in your relationship with God because when we know God, His Holy Spirit comforts us. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” (John 14.16)

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