https://youtube.com/live/O9lbEYNYSjc A redeemer is someone entrusted with securing one’s release from oppression, harm, evil, enslavement, or some other binding obligation. A redeemer restores the lost rights and freedoms of another by avenging any wrongs and paying whatever price is required to set that person free. The role of “Redeemer” is uniquely assigned to Jesus Christ, who rescues believers “from the dominion of darkness” and delivers them into God’s kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13–14). Throughout the Bible, God’s work of redemption points to Jesus as the supreme Redeemer of humanity (Isaiah 63:16). Christ is the fulfillment of Scripture’s redemptive theme (Romans 3:25). #JesusChrist #Redeemer #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Salvation Kindly join us on Word, Spirit & Prayers at 10AM West Africa Time Blessings!

*Tears of Faith - Our Tears Are Never Wasted* Have you ever had your heart broken? Or your dreams shattered? Or had your plans crushed by reality? That happened to the Jewish people when they were forced to leave their homes and become exiles in a foreign land. Their grief was surely deep and their questions surely plenty, but even their tears couldn’t stop new growth. Recorded in *Psalm 126,* regarding the time *“when the Lord brought back His exiles to Jerusalem…”* *“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126:5* Like the Israelites, we might be in a season of unexpected sadness, but joy, fruit, and abundance are waiting on the other side.  Are we worried about someone in our family? Are we frustrated with someone at work? Are we devastated or numb regarding a situation in our life? Are we baffled by what we see on the news? Is our health failing? Is this season not quite what we’d hoped? Maybe we truly want to make a difference and we want the people around us to know God, but it’s hard—because we’re trudging forward through tears.  The great news is, seeds aren’t picky about moisture, and tears can be a catalyst for growth. Like any good book or movie, there’s conflict before there’s resolution. Like a woman in labor, there’s pain before there’s new life. Like a prisoner, there’s the angst of captivity before there’s the relief of freedom. Like any real farmer knows, there’s dirt and sweat before there’s any kind of harvest. We don’t always get to choose the environment in which we sow seeds. But regardless, we—people made in the image of God—are called to love Him and love people, to be fruitful and multiply, to go and make disciples, and to trust Him with our grief. Joy is often preceded by tears, which should give us great hope. So, let’s continue to do the good work God has put before us. Let’s continue to plant seeds in faith, even through tears. Let’s honor Him as we sow our seeds and trust Him with the harvest. *A Prayer For Joy In Hard Times* Father God, it's hard to keep planting seeds when we are discouraged. When we are heartbroken. But we know that You can use all things for Your glory and our good. Once again, we are trusting You. We are surrendering our plans to You—because Your ways are always best. Thank You in advance for the harvest that's to come. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*The Sweetness of Patience - Watch & Wait* Have you ever plucked fruit prematurely? Perhaps you were drawn in by its vibrant color or sweet scent moving through the air. But when you took the first bite🤣, you realized it lacked the ripeness you anticipated. Everything seemed right at first glance, but there was one missing ingredient… Time. Even the simple act of picking fruit can teach us about time and patience: *"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You, too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:7-8* The author, James, penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to a community of new Jewish converts to Christianity, dispersed throughout various regions. These early Christians faced many trials, including persecution and opposition, because of their newfound faith. James’ call to wait patiently and enduring was more than mere words on a page; they were a lifeline of hope and encouragement in the midst of adversity. And just as those early believers confronted trials, we, too, will encounter challenges and suffering in our Christian journey. And, just like those early believers, we can choose patience—allowing the fruit of the Spirit to ripen within us, no matter the season of life. And when we do, our character will mature, our faith will deepen, and our relationship with God will become sweeter than we could imagine. Patience always bears the fruit of perseverance and strength, even today and even for us! *Prayer Of Surrendering* Everlasting Father, You are the perfect example of patience and Grace. Thank You for being patient with us! We know there are specific areas of our lives where we need to develop more patience—we surrender those areas to You, and asking for Your help. Fill us with hope and wisdom to trust You, especially during challenging times. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen. *Blessed Shabbat!*

*Be Strong and Courageous* When Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church, he was writing to believers experiencing intense division. Power and politics within the church community were causing Christians to stray from Jesus’ teachings and compete with each other. Because of this, the poor were suffering, people were confused about theology, and immorality was being tolerated. After calling out their mistakes and showing them how to live Spirit-filled lives, Paul summarized his desire for the Corinthians with these words…  *Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14* Be on guard… Paul uses this phrase to remind his friends to keep watch over their lives, their community, and their choices. He knew that if they didn’t stay aware and awake, they wouldn’t notice the lies, tricks, or deceptions the devil was using to infiltrate their community. Stand firm… Immorality was a major issue in the Corinthian church. But instead of addressing this problem, Corinthian Christians were tolerating it. So Paul reminded them that they are one body. If one person was allowed to disrespect God, then they were all part of the problem. They needed to learn how to stand firm in their faith so that their ultimate desire would be to please God, not people. *Be courageous. Be strong…* In order to resist spiritual attacks, the Corinthians needed to stand strong together. They needed to courageously use their gifts and talents to strengthen their church community and help it grow—even when it seemed counter-cultural and uncomfortable.   And do everything with love... In *1 Corinthians 13,* Paul writes that if he could be perfect, do everything right, never sin, and always keep God’s commands—but he didn’t have love, it would mean nothing. Strength, courage, and commitment—none of it matters if God’s love isn’t at the center of everything we think and do.   If God’s love doesn’t define us, standing firm can become self-righteousness, strength can turn into stubbornness, and courage can become arrogance.   So, what steps can we take to stand firm in what we believe with strength and courage? As we determine what choices we need to make, let's remember that God fights for us, and His Spirit is with us. He can empower us to boldly share His love. *Help Us Stay On Guard* Father God, we need You. You've given us everything we need to live a godly life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Help us to not waiver in faith. Help us to be on guard against any attacks or lies from the devil. Give us the courage to be strong and stand firm in belief in You, and to live for You daily. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*Love That Forgives -We Are Called to Love* We’ll never fully agree with another person—because there’s not a single person just like us. That means there won’t be anyone with our exact viewpoint on life, politics, money, relationships, or religion. We are created unique, and so is the person next to us. But even though we're all different, we are still called to love each other. Jesus Himself has said, *“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).* When Jesus commanded us to love others, He didn’t say that we had to agree with people first. In fact, in the book of Matthew, He specifically tells people *to love even their enemies (Matthew 5:44)."* So if love is for everyone, what does love look like? Love considers others first. Love looks for the best in people. Love shows respect. Love seeks unity. Love isn’t selfish. Love displays patience. To love means to give of yourself. Love involves revealing your heart to people who could potentially wound it, and thinking about the needs of others before we think of our own. Loving others in this way isn’t easy—but it’s how Jesus loves us.  When we love people like Jesus, we reflect His love to the world, which helps build His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.  There will always be things we have to “agree to disagree on.” There will always be people we don’t understand or relate to. There will still be times when we get hurt, or unintentionally hurt others. But Jesus’ command to love people wasn’t reliant on our feelings or circumstances.  So if we want the world to be radically transformed by His love, then we need to learn how to put our differences aside, and love each other like Jesus loves us. *We Can Pray For People Who've Hurt Us* Father God, we are choosing to forgive them—the people who’ve caused us pain, the ones who have wronged and betrayed us. We forgive them because You have forgiven us. Transform their lives like You have transformed ours. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*Walking in the Light* Have you ever walked in darkness? Maybe your power went out during a storm, or you were stranded on the road with car trouble. Walking in darkness can be scary, and it can be dangerous. Having a light makes everything better, and the same is true in our spiritual journeys. How we find that light in the midst of darkness is actually pretty straightforward: *Psalm 119* says that *"God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path."* In other words, the Bible itself is a light—that points to THE Light. It's our guide. It helps us make decisions to follow Christ and to not walk in darkness. Just as Jesus is the light of the world, we are called to reflect His light into the world. When we intentionally choose to walk in His light, we embrace truth, righteousness, and love.  Walking in the light means surrendering our old ways, seeking God's guidance, and allowing His Spirit to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. As we walk in the light, a beautiful transformation occurs: we find fellowship with one another. This light of Christ not only illuminates our individual paths but also creates a bond of unity among believers. It’s how we discover the joy of shared faith, encouragement, and accountability. It is through this bond that we are reminded that we are not alone on our journey. Today, reflect on your walk with Christ. Are you consciously choosing to walk in His light? Are you growing in community? And are you fully embracing the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, allowing His grace to purify your life? As you reflect, think about ways you can grow closer to God, experiencing the abundant life He has promised, and become a beacon of His light in a world that so desperately needs it. *A Prayer To Walk With Jesus* Father God, You gave us Your Son, the light of the world. Give us the courage and strength of character to follow Jesus unconditionally. Regardless of the trials or temptations we face, we want to walk with Him. We want to experience a personal relationship with Him. We want Jesus to be the one thing we pursue above all else. Help us to shine His Light to an increasingly dark world! Amen.

*Keep Doing Good - Never Give Up. There's An Harvest For Those Who Finish Strong* Do you remember the last time you were completely exhausted? Maybe you spent your entire day or week working on a hard project. Maybe you felt depleted after helping other people in your life. Or maybe hard situations and setbacks made you feel like giving up. All of us grow tired at some point. Paul, the writer of Galatians, knew that the people he was writing to would also become weary of the work they were doing. During Paul’s time, there was a lot of persecution and hurting people, and Paul was writing to encourage them in the work they were doing. *"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9* Inside Paul’s encouragement to the Galatians is this truth: Even good people will tire of doing good things. That’s why Paul encourages everyone to continue to push forward in doing good. We should continue to help people. We should continue to share the hope of Jesus with people. We should continue to try and live as God would want us to. God knows that we’ll eventually grow weary. And when we grow tired and frustrated, we’ll probably begin to question why we’re doing any of this to begin with. (Maybe you’ve already asked yourself this.) But *Galatians 6:9* encourages us to persevere in doing good things. Similar to how a farmer must work diligently to plant his crops and wait months before the actual harvest, Paul says there will be a harvest for those who do not give up.  Just like the Christians in Galatia, we also need to persevere in living godly lives and helping those around us. If we do not give up, Scripture says there will be a reward for us. We may receive that reward during our time on earth, or in heaven—but regardless of when we receive it, we should persevere in doing good. That means that our work matters. There is value to how we live and love others. So let's spend some time today considering the good that we have done and can continue to do for others. Who can we help? Who can we share the hope of Jesus with? How can we continue to persevere in living a godly life? If we’ve grown weary or defeated, let's make a commitment today to never give up. Choose to persevere through whatever season of life we’re in, knowing that there will be a harvest for those who finish well. *Prayer For Endurance* Father God, help us to never get tired of doing good things in Your Name. As we grow closer to You, give us the endurance to serve and love others well—no matter how we are feeling. We want our lives to bring those around us closer to You. Thank You for never giving up on us! Amen.

https://youtube.com/live/4EsMpnIBf6A Praying for non-believers in Christ Jesus' Salvation is a responsibility of every follower of Christ to intercede for those who have yet to experience the transformative love and grace of the Gospel. Today in BJF Watchmen prayer meeting, we shall focus on non-believers in Christ Jesus. This involves asking God to open their hearts, remove spiritual blindness, and draw them to faith in Jesus Christ. Key biblical requests include praying that the Holy Spirit convicts them of sin, that God send laborers, faithful Christians across their path to model Christ and share the message of Salvation with them (Matthew 9:38); and that they find true repentance and eternal life in Christ Jesus. Kindly join prayer meeting if you can at 8PM West Africa Time. Blessings!

*Extravagant Forgiveness Is What Mercy Really Looks Like* What would you do if you ran into someone who offended, upset, or greatly wronged you?  The Pharisees in Jesus’ time taught that it was excessive to forgive someone more than three times. But Jesus’ teachings set a standard for extravagant forgiveness. He emphasized that we should forgive others generously and continuously. *Luke 6:36 "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."* The outward expression of forgiveness can look different for everyone, but true forgiveness should offer mercy and compassion to those who hurt us.  No doubt, forgiveness isn’t easy. Showing compassion to someone who hurt us goes against our natural desire. At times, it can even feel overwhelming, unfair, and impossible. But showing someone undeserved forgiveness and compassion is what mercy is … and it’s what Jesus does for us.   God so loved the world that—despite our constant mistakes and continual rejection of His presence—He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for us. Although we didn’t deserve His forgiveness, mercy, or love, He offered it to us anyways. And now, anyone who believes in Jesus can receive unlimited mercy and unmerited grace.   It’s because God freely offers us mercy that He asks us to show mercy also to others.  The world will tell us to hold onto our hurt and allow it to shape us. But Jesus wants to release us from the pain of our past by changing our heart’s posture toward others. This isn’t easy—it is often an act of continual, painful surrender. But Jesus doesn’t expect us to go through the process of forgiveness alone. He offers to help us if we are willing to trust Him and honor His teachings. Jesus isn’t asking us to do anything that He hasn’t already done for us. And when we offer mercy to someone who has wounded us, we illustrate how God’s forgiveness has impacted us.   So is there anyone we can offer mercy and forgiveness to today? Let's spend some time with God, asking Him to search our hearts, and give Him any hurt we’ve been carrying. *Prayer To Show Mercy* Father God, even though we mess up, hurt each other, and offend You—You still love us. You still have mercy on us. Thank You. Forgive us for all the times we’ve chosen anger and bitterness over forgiveness and compassion. Please reveal who we need to show mercy to today, and then help us to obey Your prompting. Show us how to love people like You love people. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

https://youtube.com/live/x1rb_hAHncQ John 1:4-5 says, His spiritual life pours out to guide, illuminate, and save humanity from darkness. The Lord Jesus holds the power to create and sustain all living things, offering eternal and spiritual life rather than just physical breath. His divine Life acts as a spiritual lamp that wakes up our souls, exposes the Truth, and shows us the way to God. His bright Light shines into the dark places of sin and pain, and no amount of darkness can ever put it out. Jesus Christ, the fountain of eternal life, serves as the ultimate spiritual light that illuminates the human soul. This teaching explores the profound biblical connection between the divinity of Christ and his role as the guiding radiance for believers navigating life's challenges. Kindly join us at Word, Spirit & Prayers at 10AM West Africa Time. Blessings!

*Refeshment For Our Souls - A Mindset of Abundance* Do you know someone who constantly pours themselves out? They’re generous with their words, unselfish with their time, and openhanded with their money. And yet, somehow, they always seem to have more to give. The author of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, said this: *“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25* King Solomon knew a thing or two about generosity. In fact, Scripture tells us: *“King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth” (1 Kings 10:23).* But he was also generous, spending years of his life funding and building the temple in Jerusalem, as well as sharing what he had learned with others. Some of the unhappiest people on earth are stuck in a cycle of selfishness. But if you’ve ever been generous with your life—whether you’ve given financially, contributed your expertise, invested your time, opened up your home, or offered spiritual, emotional, and physical support—you know from experience: those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.  Of course, we shouldn’t give to get. And we also must apply God’s wisdom when it comes to setting boundaries and avoiding burnout. But Jesus is the King of an upside-down Kingdom where: The last will be first. The greatest will be a servant. Those who give up their life will save it. Jesus even told a story of a poor woman who gave more than anyone else—because she gave everything she had *(Mark 12:41-44).* We don’t have to be rich to be generous; we just need a heart that is willing to give and serve. So today, instead of a scarcity mindset, let’s have a mindset of abundance. Our God has unlimited strength, power, and resources. *A Prayer For A Heart Of Generosity* Father God, You have been so generous to us. Help us to have the same willingness to be generous. Let us generosly bless and refresh others as You have blessed us. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*The Three Figs: Prayer, Belief, and Forgiveness* Have you ever heard of an object lesson? If you’ve ever taught children — in school or in ministry — the chances are high that you have, or that you’ve at least done one without knowing. If you haven’t, an object lesson is a teaching method that uses physical items or some other visual aid as the centerpiece of a lesson. Think of using a seed to teach about faith that grows or a piece of armor to explain the armor of God. Or a fig tree to teach about prayer, belief, and forgiveness. That’s exactly what Jesus does in *Mark 11.* But the disciples don’t get it at first. It takes a question from Peter (always the talker) for Jesus to explain the meaning of the withered fig tree. Here are three takeaways from what he says. First: Nothing is too big for God. In *Mark 11:23,* Jesus says, *“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”* How often do we settle for praying small prayers? Prayers that hide behind insecurity at best, or doubt at worst. Here, Jesus is raising the bar. He tells us to pray mountain (difficult situation to man) -moving prayers. We have a big God that can do big things. Second: We should pray with total belief in God. *“... believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”* Our belief in God’s power should be so strong, so absolute, that we should consider our prayer answered as we pray for it. Wow! How can Jesus say that? Because our confidence rests not in the strength of our belief, but in the God that we believe in. And our prayers should align with God’s will. A good key for interpreting this verse is *1 John 5:14: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”* Asking for a mansion and a million dollars? Perhaps we need to reconsider what Jesus was actually teaching through the fig tree and the temple cleansing that follows. Asking for forgiveness or reconciliation? Even as we ask, Jesus says it’s already ours. And last: Forgiveness is pivotal to prayer. In *Mark 11:25* , Jesus ends His object lesson by commanding forgiveness. *“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”* Isn’t it interesting how two of Jesus’ most extensive teachings on prayer — here and in the Lord’s Prayer — blend forgiveness in as such an important piece? Here, He even ties it to the Father’s forgiveness of our sins. If prayer is a recipe, forgiveness is one of the most integral ingredients. And if we’re going to bear the kind of fruit that is pleasing in the Lord's eyes, forgiveness can’t be missing from our branch. *Prayer For Confidence* Father in heaven, thank You for inviting us into Your power. For the simplicity of prayer. And for Your mercy. Lord, when we pray, help our unbelief. When we pray, push us further. When we pray, help us to forgive the way You forgive — completely, totally, selflessly. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen. *Blessed Shabbat!*

*The Three Figs: Prayer, Belief, and Forgiveness* Have you ever heard of an object lesson? If you’ve ever taught children — in school or in ministry — the chances are high that you have, or that you’ve at least done one without knowing. If you haven’t, an object lesson is a teaching method that uses physical items or some other visual aid as the centerpiece of a lesson. Think of using a seed to teach about faith that grows or a piece of armor to explain the armor of God. Or a fig tree to teach about prayer, belief, and forgiveness. That’s exactly what Jesus does in *Mark 11.* But the disciples don’t get it at first. It takes a question from Peter (always the talker) for Jesus to explain the meaning of the withered fig tree. Here are three takeaways from what he says. First: Nothing is too big for God. In *Mark 11:23,* Jesus says, *“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”* How often do we settle for praying small prayers? Prayers that hide behind insecurity at best, or doubt at worst. Here, Jesus is raising the bar. He tells us to pray mountain (difficult situation to man) -moving prayers. We have a big God that can do big things. Second: We should pray with total belief in God. *“... believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”* Our belief in God’s power should be so strong, so absolute, that we should consider our prayer answered as we pray for it. Wow! How can Jesus say that? Because our confidence rests not in the strength of our belief, but in the God that we believe in. And our prayers should align with God’s will. A good key for interpreting this verse is *1 John 5:14: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”* Asking for a mansion and a million dollars? Perhaps we need to reconsider what Jesus was actually teaching through the fig tree and the temple cleansing that follows. Asking for forgiveness or reconciliation? Even as we ask, Jesus says it’s already ours. And last: Forgiveness is pivotal to prayer. In *Mark 11:25* , Jesus ends His object lesson by commanding forgiveness. *“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”* Isn’t it interesting how two of Jesus’ most extensive teachings on prayer — here and in the Lord’s Prayer — blend forgiveness in as such an important piece? Here, He even ties it to the Father’s forgiveness of our sins. If prayer is a recipe, forgiveness is one of the most integral ingredients. And if we’re going to bear the kind of fruit that is pleasing in the Lord's eyes, forgiveness can’t be missing from our branch. *Prayer For Confidence* Father in heaven, thank You for inviting us into Your power. For the simplicity of prayer. And for Your mercy. Lord, when we pray, help our unbelief. When we pray, push us further. When we pray, help us to forgive the way You forgive — completely, totally, selflessly. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen. *Blessed Shabbat!*

*Living in God’s Love* God is a compassionate friend. He listens. He empathizes. He cares so much for us, and is kind in His responses. In fact, God does more than just show love—He is love. It is impossible for Him to be anything else because love is His very essence. His love is pure. It isn’t selfish, disengaged, bitter, resentful, or passive. We can trust this kind of love. We can trust God. In *1 John 4:16,* we find a beautiful reminder of what life with God is like: *"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."* How do you feel after you’ve spent time with a good friend? Maybe you feel more relaxed, you have a spring in your step, or you find that you have more courage to keep going. You might even find yourself loving others better because you feel so loved. The ripple effect of living in God’s love is just like this and more. You can’t help but love others when you know and experience how much God loved you. This is the life we are invited to. A life that knows and relies on the love God has for us, and then loves others because of it. When we know and experience the love God has for us, everything changes. *Connection With God* Father God, Your love is amazing. Thank You for modeling how to love people well—we want to do our best to follow Your example. Your love has changed us. Help us to lead others to Your transformative love. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*Living in God’s Love* God is a compassionate friend. He listens. He empathizes. He cares so much for us, and is kind in His responses. In fact, God does more than just show love—He is love. It is impossible for Him to be anything else because love is His very essence. His love is pure. It isn’t selfish, disengaged, bitter, resentful, or passive. We can trust this kind of love. We can trust God. In *1 John 4:16,* we find a beautiful reminder of what life with God is like: *"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."* How do you feel after you’ve spent time with a good friend? Maybe you feel more relaxed, you have a spring in your step, or you find that you have more courage to keep going. You might even find yourself loving others better because you feel so loved. The ripple effect of living in God’s love is just like this and more. You can’t help but love others when you know and experience how much God loved you. This is the life we are invited to. A life that knows and relies on the love God has for us, and then loves others because of it. When we know and experience the love God has for us, everything changes. *Connection With God* Father God, Your love is amazing. Thank You for modeling how to love people well—we want to do our best to follow Your example. Your love has changed us. Help us to lead others to Your transformative love. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*Living in God’s Love* God is a compassionate friend. He listens. He empathizes. He cares so much for us, and is kind in His responses. In fact, God does more than just show love—He is love. It is impossible for Him to be anything else because love is His very essence. His love is pure. It isn’t selfish, disengaged, bitter, resentful, or passive. We can trust this kind of love. We can trust God. In *1 John 4:16,* we find a beautiful reminder of what life with God is like: *"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."* How do you feel after you’ve spent time with a good friend? Maybe you feel more relaxed, you have a spring in your step, or you find that you have more courage to keep going. You might even find yourself loving others better because you feel so loved. The ripple effect of living in God’s love is just like this and more. You can’t help but love others when you know and experience how much God loved you. This is the life we are invited to. A life that knows and relies on the love God has for us, and then loves others because of it. When we know and experience the love God has for us, everything changes. *Connection With God* Father God, Your love is amazing. Thank You for modeling how to love people well—we want to do our best to follow Your example. Your love has changed us. Help us to lead others to Your transformative love. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/live/IeWk9mzYQl8 ewal for believers everywhere. We are asking God to sustain the weary, provide grace in times of trial, and deepen the faith of the community. Ephesians 6:18: "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." A prayer for the people of God is a powerful way to seek spiritual renewal and divine guidance. This guided session focuses on intercessory prayer and finding strength through faith during challenging times. Kindly join prayer meeting if you can at 8PM West African Time. Blessings!

*Always Dependable* Do you ever feel like life has knocked the breath out of you? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s no secret that this world is full of both beauty and trouble—of good things and hard things. King David, whose life was recorded in various parts of the Old Testament, was highly accustomed to trouble—constantly threatened by legitimate enemies and faced with the reality of impending death. Yet, inspired by the Holy Spirit, he wrote: *“The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” ‭‭Psalm ‭34:19‬* If there’s one thing we can depend on, it’s that God is alive, active, and ever-present in our lives … even the hardest parts of our life. But who is the “righteous person” David speaks of in this particular Psalm, when other parts of the Bible say things like, *“no one is righteous—not even one”? (Romans 3:10*, *Psalm 14:3).* There’s a trick to understanding this at-first-glance contradiction: Righteousness can’t be achieved, but it can be given. When we trust in God, as well as His Son, Jesus Christ (who sacrificed His life so that we could truly live), we’re trusting that His righteousness will extend to us as well.  To put it simply, a righteous person is one who relies on God’s righteousness.  Seems unfair and unmerited, doesn’t it? But that’s grace. It’s by grace, through faith, that we—that you—can be counted as righteous. You can’t work for it and you can’t buy it. Because of that, when we’re facing hard things, we can expect God to show up in a million unique ways. Not because we’re righteous on our own, but because He is righteous on His own. And His righteousness has no limits. So how does God show up? He guides. He comforts. He corrects. He reroutes. He reminds us of true things. He helps us persevere. He brings wisdom and discernment to our minds. He inspires others to help us. He compels us to help others. He gives us peace in the midst of trouble. He encourages us as we stand boldly in faith. He works and works and works in mysterious ways. And just when you might wonder if our neediness is becoming a nuisance to God, remember: God’s presence is inexhaustible and His resources are limitless.  It’s good to need God every moment of every day. To breathe. To survive. To flourish. So yes, trouble will come. But God will never leave our side. *Prayer For God's Guidance* God, we know that in this world we will have many troubles, but we also know that You are with us. We are grateful we can trust You to guide and protect us—no matter what we face. Give us peace during times of trials and challenges, and allow us to rest in the promises You’ve made. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*Divine Strength In September* Eight Month is month of New Beginning. *Isaiah 40:29 "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength."* The great lesson in this passage is the call of the Lord to every soul to Return back home to the Father who loves them dearly for divine strength. The Father is calling His Children to Return back home to Him. The Lord said, *John 15:5 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing."* We can do nothing without Him, we must remain focus on the lover of our souls (The Great Shepherd) because outside of Him is dry, cold, and dangerous. The street corners is unsafe, it is full of predators (satan and its cohorts), who steals, kills, destroys and gang rapes destinies with reckless abandon. Many who had gone away from home (God) in the name of seeking prospects for better life and opportunities without the help of the Father have unfortunately lost it. New month, new opportunity set before us to receive His Strength to prosper in all our endeavors. *Prayer For Strength* Father God, all our hope is in You. You are all we need. Thank You for being our protector and the source of our strength. In every situation, we ask for Your courage and endurance to face it and handle it well. Please guide us with Your wisdom as we make decisions, and fill us with peace as we do what You’ve called us to do. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen. *Have a Blessed Month in Jesus' Name.*

*The Power of Life and Death* We Choose To Speak Life. Let's think of a time we said something we regret, or were the target of undeserved gossip. Now, reflect on a situation where we encouraged a friend who was hurting, or felt the life-giving effects of someone else’s words. Words matter. Our words matter. And God has given us the freedom to choose how you use them.  Are we using our words to tear down or build up? To provoke destruction or stimulate restoration? Do our words stir up drama or encourage peace? *“What we say flows from what is in our hearts,”* Jesus explained in *Luke 6:45.* Fruit reveals the health of a tree, just as a tongue reveals what is happening in the heart. Most of us want to use our words for good and not for harm. We don’t want to be unkind or critical. But *James 3* tells us that the tongue is unstable and cannot seem to be tamed. So, what can we do? Is there a way to control it? Self-control is a fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us, which means we can’t manufacture controlling our tongues on our own. But, we do have a part to play in the process: we need to stick close to Jesus.  When we read His Word, seek His face, and walk in His ways (no matter how many times we mess up and have to begin again), love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control begin to grow in our lives. The biblical term is abiding: staying, continuing, or remaining in Jesus’ presence. As we abide with Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to curb the way we speak and change the way we act. When that happens, our words start to bring life and hope to the people around us.  So on this, let's begin to think how we can use our words to bring healing and hope to people? If this isn’t something we’re used to doing, it’s never too early to speak words that spark life. *Changing The Way We Think* Father God, we submit our words to You. Fill our minds with thoughts that honor You and other people, so that our words will bring life and encouragement to everyone we encounter. Transform us into a new person by changing the way we think—and the way we speak. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*Promises of Comfort - We Can Trust Him With Our Tears* One of the hardest truths to reconcile in the Christian life is the presence of evil in the world God created. Whether we’ve seen evil, or evil has been done to us, it is hard to make sense of why God would allow evil things to happen. The truth is: the world we live in is broken. Because we have neglected God’s path for living, the world is not as it should be. But even though evil exists, God’s promise still remains: evil will not win. The brokenness of our world will not last forever. The book of Revelation gives us an insight into the future of all things. While there are a lot of odd symbols and events in Revelation, there are also some very clear and hopeful pictures of what will happen. One of the promises that we hold onto in dark times is in *Revelation 21:4*. God promises He will wipe away every tear—which means He will be our everlasting Comforter. He promises that in heaven there will be no death nor mourning, no crying nor pain. While our temporary time on earth might be filled with pain and grief, we look forward to the future when we will join God in heaven and be free of death and decay. This truth should fill us with hope and endurance in the midst of pain and sorrow. *Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."* If we’re currently going through a difficult time, let's take some time to pray to God, and ask Him for help and courage. Asking Him to fill us with hope and endurance. Keeping in mind His promises to make all things right in the end, and let that hope carry us forward as we follow after Him. *A Prayer To Take Away Pain* Father God, we thank You for deeply caring about who we are. We are so grateful that, one day, You will take away all the pain and hardship we’ve experienced. But until that day comes, we will trust You and cling to You. We will place our hope in You. We will bring You our pain, and allow You to comfort us. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

*He is Worthy* We have a powerful Creator, but it’s easy to forget how magnificent He is. We live in a world filled with His miracles, but it’s common to become desensitized to the wonder of it all. God created something from nothing—speaking life, meaning, and purpose into existence. He's the author of everything. He is worthy of our worship. Whales roam the seas, bears scavenge the mountaintops, fireflies light up the countryside. People explore the world, build skyscrapers, cook meals, develop languages, and form complex relationships—with God and with each other. *"You Are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive Glory and Honor and Power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11* *“All things,”* as the verse says, includes everything we can see and even the things we can’t—both the visible and invisible. *“All things”* also includes you.  Each and everyone of us are intentionally and uniquely designed by God. We were put on this planet on purpose, at this specific time in history. We have been empowered to shine and share His love, in a distinct and special way that’s completely unique to individual. So let's take a moment to recognize... God made us and He loves us. He is worthy of our praise. *Prayer Of Worship* Father God, You are worthy of all our praises, and You created us to praise You! Show us how to worship You in all that we do. When the world look back on our lives, we want them to give You glory. Teach us how to make our life an act of worship. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/live/yPX3OJZ5ogk Spending more time with God and less time trying to fix people or problems in our own strength. By increasing time in the "secret place," we can compresses the time required to solve public problems. Prayer is not begging a reluctant deity. Prayer is petitioning a willing King with His own constitution (Matthew 8:2-3 "A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy." Many believers struggle with the concept of prayer, viewing it as a desperate plea to a distant, unwilling God. Kindly join us on Word, Spirit & Prayers at 10 AM West African Time. Blessings!

*He Showed Up For Us* In ancient Israel, relationships were incredibly important because people relied on their community and family for survival. The culture placed a high value on loyalty, kinship, and friendship. The Israelites lived in tight-knit communities where neighbors and extended family were often as close as brothers. During difficult times-such as famine, war, or sickness-having faithful friends and supportive family members could mean the difference between life and death. *Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”* This proverb would have reminded people of the importance of building and maintaining strong, loyal relationships, especially in times of need. *Connects to Jesus Christ.* This proverb aligns with the biblical teaching that love is sacrificial. In *John 15:13, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”* True love, whether from a friend or family member, is selfless and enduring. It reflects the kind of love God has for us-a love that doesn’t change based on circumstances. Jesus is the perfect example of a friend who loves at all times. Throughout His ministry, He demonstrated unconditional love and loyalty to His followers, even when they misunderstood Him, doubted Him, or abandoned Him in His time of need. Jesus also exemplified the role of a brother in times of adversity. On the cross, He bore our burdens, taking on our sins and the hardships we deserved. He is the ultimate friend who laid down His life for us, showing that true love is sacrificial. In following Christ, we are called to love others with that same selfless commitment. *Questions For Our Reflection* 1. Are we the kind of friends who are there for others, not just in the good times but also when they are struggling? 2. How can we be a source of support and encouragement to people during difficult times? 3. What can we do to deepen our relationships with friends and family to reflect the love God has shown us? 4. How does Jesus’s example of sacrificial love challenge us to be a better friend and family member? 5. In what ways can we show more patience, kindness, and loyalty in our current relationships? Let’s strive to be the kind of friends and family members who love deeply, support unconditionally, and reflect God’s love to those around us. May the Lord helps us all. *Blessed Shabbat!*