Why Should I pray for My Children?

 

Prayer secures their divine protection

When you pray for your children, you place them under the covering of God’s mighty hand. The world is filled with unseen dangers, but prayer draws a hedge around them like it did for Job’s family. Job 1:10 says, “Have You not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?” Just as Job’s prayers shielded his children, your prayers can be a spiritual fortress guarding them from harm, evil, and unseen attacks.

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AVOID SUGAR : 10 Things Sugar Does To The Body without You Knowing.

 

1. Causes Energy Spikes and Crashes

When you consume sugar, it quickly enters your bloodstream, resulting in a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. This provides a temporary surge of energy, often referred to as a “sugar rush.” However, this is soon followed by a sharp drop in blood sugar, known as a “crash,” which can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and craving more sugar. Over time, this rollercoaster effect can strain your body’s insulin response, leading to fatigue and mood swings.

 

2. Increases Risk of Obesity
High sugar intake, especially from sweetened drinks and snacks, adds extra calories without providing essential nutrients. When your body doesn’t use those calories for energy, it stores them as fat. This leads to weight gain and increases the risk of obesity. Fructose, a type of sugar commonly found in soft drinks and processed foods, is particularly associated with the accumulation of belly fat and metabolic disorders.

 

3. Harms Heart Health
Too much sugar increases your risk of heart disease by raising triglyceride levels, promoting inflammation, and increasing blood pressure. Studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine have shown that people who consume a diet high in added sugars have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Sugar also damages the arteries, making them less flexible and more prone to plaque buildup, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

 

4. Increases Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Excess sugar forces your pancreas to produce more insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Over time, your cells become resistant to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels and eventually type 2 diabetes. Research from the American Diabetes Association shows that even one sugary drink a day can significantly raise diabetes risk, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle.

 

5. Damages the Liver
When consumed in large amounts, fructose is processed almost entirely in the liver. If the liver receives more fructose than it can handle, it converts the excess into fat. This can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that mimics liver damage caused by alcohol. Over time, this can progress to inflammation, liver scarring, and even liver failure if not addressed.

 

6. Affects Brain Function and Memory
Sugar activates the brain’s reward system in a way similar to addictive drugs, releasing dopamine and creating cravings. Overconsumption can lead to cognitive decline, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating. A University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) study found that high-sugar diets impair brain function and may even contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress in brain cells.

 

7. Weakens the Immune System
High sugar levels can suppress the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Research has shown that sugar can temporarily inhibit white blood cells from attacking harmful bacteria and viruses. When consumed regularly, sugar can make you more vulnerable to colds, flu, and other illnesses by reducing your body’s natural defenses.

 

8. Promotes Tooth Decay
Sugar is a primary fuel source for harmful bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria digest sugar, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and gum disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), reducing daily sugar intake to less than 10% of total calories drastically lowers the risk of dental problems.

 

9. Accelerates Skin Aging
Sugar reacts with proteins in your body through a process called glycation, forming harmful molecules known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These damage collagen and elastin; the fibers that keep your skin firm and youthful. As a result, high sugar consumption can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and premature aging. Dermatologists often refer to this as “sugar aging.”

 

10. Impacts Mood and Mental Health
While sugar can give a temporary feeling of happiness, it often leads to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression over time. The quick rise and fall of blood sugar levels can affect neurotransmitter balance, especially serotonin;the “feel-good” hormone. Studies in the British Journal of Psychiatry link high-sugar diets to a higher risk of depression and mood disorders, showing that the more sugar people consume, the worse their mental well-being tends to be.

Sugary drinks increase risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of how much you exercise

             

Excess sugar intake is strongly linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A large prospective cohort study of over 110,000 individuals in the UK found that higher consumption of “free sugars” (which includes added sugars and those in fruit juices etc.) was associated with significantly higher risk of total CVD, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. BMC+2BioMed Central+2 For every additional 5% of total energy coming from free sugars, the risk of total cardiovascular disease rose by about 7%, risk of heart disease by about 6%, and risk of stroke by about 10%. BMC+1 The risks are compounded when sugars are consumed in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages: these raise blood lipids and contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, regardless of other healthy behaviors like exercise. Harvard Public Health+1  

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           Beyond cardiovascular health, high sugar consumption contributes to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With excess sugar, especially fructose, being processed in the liver, fat accumulates there (steatosis), which can lead to liver dysfunction. Healthlineplus.net+2BioMed Central+2 Also, frequent intake of high sugar food and drinks increases blood glucose spikes and insulin demand; over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, elevating the risk of diabetes. Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review+2CNN+2 Obesity serves both as a mediator (sugar encourages extra calorie intake and fat deposition) and a compounding risk factor for many downstream metabolic disorders. BioMed Central+1

        Finally, there are additional harms even beyond metabolism and cardiovascular risk. High amounts of sugar promote chronic inflammation, a condition implicated in numerous diseases. Harvard Health+1 Excess added sugar has also been associated with higher all‐cause mortality: people whose diets are heavy in sugar-sweetened sodas and similar items tend to have higher death rates. Harvard Health+1 Dental health suffers too, with sugar feeding oral bacteria that produce acids, leading to tooth decay. Healthlineplus.net+1 Because of all these risks, many guidelines recommend keeping added or free sugars well below about 10% of daily calories. Harvard Health+1

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Health is Wealth

Stay Healthy.

By Christina Ewanga

       

Martha’s Busy Hands, Mary’s Better Portion: it’s possible to serve God’s house and miss His heart.

Not every distraction is sinful. Some appear as “good things,” making them dangerous; they seem noble, responsible, even spiritual, yet they quietly pull us away from closeness with God.

Martha vs. Mary

In Luke 10:38-42, we see two sisters who both loved Jesus. Martha welcomed Him into her home, eager to serve. She prepared everything for her honored Guest. Meanwhile, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words.

At first, Martha appears responsible. After all, serving is essential. But the Bible says, “Martha was distracted with much serving” (Luke 10:40). She even grew frustrated with Mary and asked Jesus to rebuke her.

But Jesus responded gently: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42).

Martha was busy. Mary was focused.

Martha was distracted by work. Mary was devoted to worship.

Martha fed Jesus with food. Mary fed her soul with His words.

This story reminds us that even good things can become distractions if they replace what is best.

 

A Life Story: The Burned-Out Leader

I once counseled a young woman named Jamine who faithfully served in her church. She was on every committee, attended every meeting, and volunteered every weekend. On the outside, she looked like Martha: hardworking, dependable, always serving.

But inside, Jamine was spiritually dry. She admitted, “I serve God’s house, but I don’t spend time with God Himself.” She was so busy doing for Jesus that she forgot how to simply be with Jesus. Eventually, exhaustion and bitterness set in.

Jamine’s story is Martha’s story. Service is honorable, but when it distracts us from sitting at the Master’s feet, it drains our souls instead of feeding them.

 

The Word of God Speaks

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10)

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Busyness is not the same as fruitfulness. God values fellowship over function, presence over performance.

 

Personal Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are you more like Martha, always moving, always doing, yet inwardly restless? Or are you like Mary, willing to pause, listen, and sit at Jesus’ feet, even when the world demands otherwise?

Remember: it’s possible to serve God’s house and miss His heart.

Let us pray

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve been too busy to simply be with You. Teach me to value Your presence over performance, Your voice over activity. Help me choose the “better portion” like Mary, and guard me from the trap of restless busyness. May my heart always be still enough to hear You. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen.

When Focus Breaks, Destiny Shakes

Distraction is more dangerous than most of us realize. It never shows up, waving a red flag or screaming warnings. Instead, it creeps in quietly, often looking harmless, sometimes even good, until it has pulled our eyes away from the very thing God called us to do. The truth is, when focus breaks, destiny shakes. 

When Focus Breaks, Destiny Shakes

Distraction is more dangerous than most of us realize. It never shows up waving a red flag or screaming warnings. Instead, it sneaks in quietly, often looking harmless, sometimes even good, until it pulls our eyes away from what God called us to do. The truth is, when focus breaks, destiny shakes. Your ability to fulfill God’s purpose for your life depends directly on your ability to stay focused on Him.

Samson: A Mighty Man, Distracted

One of the clearest biblical stories of distraction is the story of Samson in Judges 16. He was chosen before birth, set apart as a Nazirite, and filled with supernatural strength. He tore lions apart with his bare hands, carried city gates on his shoulders, and struck down armies with nothing more than a donkey’s jawbone.

Samson’s weakness was related to his eyesight. He was easily distracted by beauty, relationships, and fleeting pleasures. Judges 16:4 tells us: “After this he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.”

Delilah wasn’t his assignment. She wasn’t part of his calling. She was a distraction sent by the enemy to divert his attention. And it worked. Samson spent more time with Delilah than in God’s presence. Eventually, he revealed the secret of his strength, and the Philistines captured him, gouged out his eyes, and bound him in chains.

The strongest man in Israel was reduced to a blind prisoner in the enemy’s jail, all because of distraction.

A Life Story: The Student Who Lost His Way

I once knew a bright young man, whom I’ll call Lobe. He was the first in his family to go to college. God had given him incredible intelligence and leadership skills. He dreamed of becoming a lawyer to fight for justice in his community.

But during his first year at school, Lobe got caught up in distractions. Parties, endless clubbing, and relationships that drained his time slowly began to consume him. He still talked about his dreams, but his grades slipped. Eventually, he lost everything and dropped out of school.

When I spoke to him later, he admitted, “I didn’t even realize I was drifting. I thought I was living. But I let the small distractions pull me away from the big picture.”

Like Samson, David had strength. Like Samson, he had potential. But distraction robbed him of his momentum.

 

The Word of God Speaks

The Bible warns us about this very thing.

 “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)

 “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25)

 “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

The enemy doesn’t have to destroy you outright; he only needs to distract you long enough to delay you, detour you, or drain you.

 

A Personal Reflection

Think about your own life for a moment. Where is your attention being pulled? Is it endless scrolling on social media? A relationship that drains you more than it builds you? A habit that eats away at your time?

Samson’s story shows us this: the devil doesn’t fear your strength; he fears your focus. Because a focused believer is unstoppable.

 

Let Us Prayer

Father, open my eyes to recognize every distraction the enemy has planted in my path. I refuse to trade my destiny for temporary pleasure. I declare that my focus will not be broken, my purpose will not be shaken, and my eyes will remain fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.