Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SUNDAY 5TH JULY, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* THE CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS. *TEXT:* MATTHEW 15:1-9. 1. Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2. “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3. Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4. For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5. But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ 6. they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8. “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. *TOPIC:* SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS. *THE MESSAGE:* Spiritual emptiness is a life that lacks meaning, purpose, and connection with God. In today's text, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and the Scribes for prioritising human traditions over God's commandments, highlighting their hypocrisy and lip service, which is spiritual emptiness. Jesus emphasised that true worship comes from a heart that reveres God and not just outward observance of the law. One may be committed to regular giving of tithes, supporting church missions and projects, and even participating in evangelism. However, if a person's heart is not inclined with God's will or living in obedience to His word, they are spiritually empty. Therefore, do not give God your material things and deny Him your heart. Evaluate! *REFLECTION:* Be sincere in worship. *PRAYER:* Father, help me to obey Your commandments. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* HEBREWS 10:29. 29 How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace? *TODAY'S BIBLhE READING PLAN:* PROVERBS 18-19. ED.ii. *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY* *ⓂANNA* SUNDAY, 5TH JULY 2026 *EXPERIENCING AND EXPRESSING THE LIFE OF CHRIST* *TEXT:* 1 JOHN 1:1–4 1. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. *Timeless Truth:* _"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."__(Psalm 34:8) *INTRODUCTION* In 1968, astronaut James Lovell and his fellow Apollo 8 crew members became the first humans to orbit the moon. On Christmas Eve, they broadcast a live message to millions around the world, reading the opening verses of Genesis. Their message was not secondhand information; they spoke as eyewitnesses of a breathtaking experience that changed their perspective of the earth and the Creator. Their testimony carried weight because they had personally experienced what they proclaimed. Likewise, Apostle John did not write about Jesus as a philosopher discussing theories or as a historian reporting distant events. He wrote as an eyewitness who had seen, heard, touched, and lived with the Son of God. His message was based on personal experience and he desired that others would enjoy the same fellowship and joy in Christ. Christianity is not merely learning about Christ—it is knowing Him personally and making Him known faithfully. Walking with Christ brings joyful fellowship with God and His people. John's opening words remind us that Christianity is built upon a real Person—Jesus Christ. The apostles did not invent a message; they testified to the One they had personally known. This passage challenges every believer to examine three vital questions: Do I truly know Christ personally?Am I faithfully making Him known to others? Am I enjoying the fullness of fellowship and joy that He offers? Many people know facts about Jesus Christ without knowing Him intimately. Others profess faith, but seldom share Him. Still others serve faithfully, but have lost the joy of fellowship. John writes to correct all three deficiencies. When we continually, behold Christ, we naturally, proclaim Christ. When we proclaim Christ, others are brought into fellowship. And when fellowship with God deepens, joy becomes complete. May our lives become living testimonies of the One who is the Word of Life. *For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.* (Philippians 1:21) *1. The Reality of the Living Word* a. John emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of Life, fully revealed to humanity. The description of the eternity of Christ dates back to the pre-creation of the earth. Jesus existed from the beginning. He is the eternal God, not merely a great teacher. *“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”* (John 1:1). b. John repeatedly emphasizes that he heard, saw, observed, and touched Jesus Christ. The gospel rests on historical reality. *“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you.”* (Acts 4:20) c. Jesus was manifested so that humanity could know the invisible God. Our faith rests upon the historical, living and eternal Christ—not myths, emotions or human traditions. *Questions* (i) Is my faith rooted in the living Christ or merely in religious activities? (ii) Do I continually seek a deeper knowledge of Jesus through His Word? *2. The Responsibility of the Faithful Witness* a. John declares that what he experienced personally, he now proclaims publicly. This is an impetus to declaring the Gospel boldly. John the apostle understood that genuine faith naturally, leads to faithful witness. *“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”* (Mark 16:15) b. It is the duty of every Christian to draw others into Fellowship with God and with fellow believers. The goal of evangelism is not merely conversion, but fellowship with God and His people. This is clearly spelt out in the Scripture *“Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”* — (1 John 1:3). c. The credibility of our message is strengthened by a life that reflects Christ. Every believer is called to proclaim Christ through both faithful words and consistent living. *"Let your light so shine before men...”* (Matthew 5:16) *Questions* (i). Am I intentionally sharing Christ with those around me? (ii) Does my daily life strengthen or weaken my Christian testimony? *3. The Reward of Lasting Fellowship* a. John writes so that believers may experience complete joy through fellowship with God. This signals the blessings of communion with God. True joy grows out of intimate fellowship with God. b. The beauty of the Christian Community can only be best experienced with your active participation and not as a spectator. Believers are called to encourage and strengthen one another. *“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.”* (Hebrews 10:25) c. Joy is the natural result of walking closely with Christ. *“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full .”*(John 15:11) God desires His children to experience not only salvation, but also joyful fellowship with Him and with one another. *Questions* (i) Is my relationship with Christ growing deeper each day? (ii) Am I contributing to unity and fellowship within God's family? *Prayer Points* 1. Lord Jesus, help me to know You more intimately and grow daily in my relationship with You.🙏 *2.* Father, fill me with courage and wisdom to share the gospel faithfully wherever You place me.🙏 3. Lord, strengthen the unity of Your Church and help me build relationships that honour You.🙏 4. Heavenly Father, let my joy be rooted in Your presence and not in changing circumstances.🙏 *Hymn:* Nearer to Thee My God* *THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* GENESIS 14-16. 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ⏤ Psalm 4:8 Prayer is not learned in a classroom but in the closet. ⏤ E.M. Bounds As this Sunday comes to an end, we come to You, God, with our evening prayers. We’re thankful for everything this day has given us—peace, comfort at home, the chance to worship, and opportunities to help others. Bless all these experiences, and may they stay with us throughout the week. Help us to handle our challenges better, do our work with more joy, and face our difficulties with more confidence because of today’s blessings. We want to grow in grace, learn more about spiritual things, and embrace whatever is good and beautiful. May the rest and teachings of today stay with us—in renewed spiritual energy, in deeper sincerity, and in a stronger desire to do what is right. May the words we’ve read and heard stick with us, helping us to live better lives. Let them comfort us when we’re sad, strengthen us when we’re weak, deepen our understanding, and guide our steps. God, we ask You to bless the work done in churches today. Many ministers have shared the gospel; bless every word spoken in love for Jesus. Let none of the truth shared today be lost. May the Holy Spirit use the sermons, lessons, and conversations to bring good into the world. We also remember our friends and loved ones, and everyone who prays for us. Whatever they need, please bless them. Now, watch over us as we sleep. Cover us with Your love and keep us safe. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/00/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.