Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2O26. "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (1)" ‘…command that these stones become bread.’ Matthew 4:3 NKJV THE BIBLE says, ‘…Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil’ (Matthew 4:1 NKJV). This seems to be God’s standard operating procedure. Why? Because He’s a good general; before He puts you into battle He puts you into boot camp. Imagine it: you’re up at dawn, running for miles with a heavy backpack, crawling under barbed wire barriers with bullets whizzing over your head, taking orders from authority figures you don’t know and probably don’t like. But if you pass the test; you get to wear the uniform. On the threshold of His ministry, God led His Son into a situation where He would face three levels of attack. You will face them also. Let’s look at the first one: The attack over the bread. Did Jesus need bread? Yes, He’d been without food for forty days. But He knew that His greatest need was not for natural food but spiritual food. So He told satan, ‘…“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV). Only when you’re convinced God will take care of all your material needs, will you start putting spiritual things first in your life. Until that happens, you’ll think you have to take care of yourself. As a result, you will walk in fear and not faith. That’s not how God wants you to live. ‘…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). When you worry, you don’t trust God. When you trust God, you don’t have to worry. The choice is yours. Bible In A Year: Lam 3:40-5:22; Matt 20:1-16; Ps 119:129-136; Pro 18:21. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝 🌹. MD.iì. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026. *WISDOM IN HANDLING THE VAIN TALKERS* *TEXT:* MATTHEW 22:18-22. 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. *Timeless Truth:*_"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"_ (1 Corinthians 6:20). *INTRODUCTION* In human relationships, there are vain talkers who do not hide their intention to disgrace, humiliate, embarrass and insult us. However, most vain talkers are friendly foes with evil intentions, but with a friendly approach. If they are not handled with wisdom, they will mess up, disgrace and embarass the saints and the preachers, thus, making their messages of non effect or impact. Paul the apostle himself with Apostolic anointing encountered such people like Jesus encountered them in the text. *"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, Whose mouths must be stopped"* (Titus 1:10,11). Jesus was confronted by people who did not genuinely seek the truth, but wanted to trap Him with their questions. Their outward appearance suggested sincerity, but their hearts were deceptive. Jesus, however, perceived their wicked intentions and responded with divine wisdom. Believers will also encounter vain talkers—people whose words are deceptive, provocative, argumentative or designed to lead others away from truth. We must, therefore, learn from Christ how to respond with spiritual perception, scriptural wisdom and personal conviction. *1. Spiritual and Scriptural Perception* a. Topical Encyclopedia rightly defines spiritual perception as the ability to discern and understand spiritual truths and realities that are not accessible through natural senses or human reasoning alone. It involves a heightened awareness and insight into the spiritual realm, often granted by the Holy Spirit to believers. Spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit, can read into the mind and at times (not in all cases) decipher the motivations and intentions of the heart. It is a lower form of the gift of discernment. They brought the coin with the inscription of Caesar and questioned Jesus on whether it was right to pay taxes to the government. Jesus knew they wanted to rope Him into public controversy that will put Him into trouble with the government of the day. If Jesus said it was right to pay tributes to Caesar, they would use that to paint Jesus as anti-Jewish. If Jesus said it is not right, they would end up putting him at a collision course with the government of the day. Either controversy can be avoided without necessarily doing violence to the truth. He was not a pro-controversy minister on avoidable spiritual or vain conflicts. Many ministers always enjoy being entangled in controversy on things that are non-essentials in the things of the kingdom. Jesus knew their wickedness and said, *“Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”* Their question was not an innocent request for guidance; it was a trap. Christ could see beyond their words into their motives. Spiritual perception enables believers to distinguish between genuine questions and deceptive arguments. We must not be carried away by eloquent speech, clever reasoning or religious appearance. The Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit give us discernment to recognize what is behind seemingly innocent conversations. b. Nehemiah, for example, was given a seemingly innocent and reconciliatory invitation by his adversaries. He knew that it was not of God. *"And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him"*. Believers, especially spiritual leaders, must have enough of scriptural understanding and insight of the truth that will generate spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit. However, there are unscriptural perceptions or incorrect insights in the form of a suspicious spirit that always read negative meanings into the actions of the innocent. This is satanic and ungodly. *Question* Do I have sufficient spiritual discernment to recognize deception and vain arguments when I encounter them? *2. Saints as the Saviour’s Possession* a. Jesus revealed deep spiritual truth to them while answering their question. It is one thing to receive an answer to a genuine question and another thing to be patient enough to get the message in the answer. Jesus asked them to show Him the tribute money and then asked whose image and inscription were upon it. When they answered, *"Caesar’s"* . Jesus declared unto them that though He is the Creator of all, He will not take what belongs to others or even what he has bequeathed to others except He was given voluntarily. The metal used for the coin belongs to God, but it has been given to the king and the use is delegated to powers that be. Jesus would not take the gift back except if the gifted decided to endow it back to the Owner or the Creator. He will not forcefully, stylishly or trickishly take back what He has given to others. This is a deep spiritual message that we can learn from God. Jesus declared, *“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”* b. What is the implication of this answer? The coin carried Caesar’s image and therefore must be given to the owner. Also, human beings, including his body, soul and spirit bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), therefore, man must surrender his soul, spirit and body to God to be used at His pleasure being the Owner. Reluctance to give oneself to God, the Owner, is daylight robbery which God the Creator will not even do to those He gave something to. We are owned by God as His possession by Creation and Redemption. Without redemption by Jesus Christ, we are all marked for eternal destruction. *"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"*. So, our appearance, body, heart and soul must be consciously and deliberately given to the glory of God, joyfully. The language of the responsible creature to his Creator is like what a king said: *"And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have"*. Our spirit, soul, time, possessions and all that we have belong to God and none should be denied Him at any time He needs them. Like Thomas, our response to God whenever He demands sacrifice or anything from us, no matter how precious is *"My Lord and my God"*. It is a language of acknowledgement of His being the Creator. It is a language of appreciation of being the Redeemer. *Question* Since I belong to Christ, am I allowing His image and ownership to determine the way I live? Am I always readily giving Him what His Word demands without hesitation or reluctance? *3. Satisfied without Scripture Personalization* When Jesus answered their question, *“they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”* They were amazed by His wisdom, but there is no indication that they surrendered their hearts to His truth. They did not bother to apply the truth to their lives and personalized it. It is possible to admire Scripture, appreciate a powerful message and even marvel at divine wisdom without personally applying it. The danger of vain talk is that we may become satisfied with intellectual discussion rather than spiritual transformation. God’s Word must move from our ears to our hearts and from our hearts to our daily conduct. The messages of Christ are so deep that they require constant and continuous reflection and self application in order to get the best from them. It is not how great a message is, but how transforming. *Question* Am I merely impressed by biblical truth or am I personally applying and obeying it? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, grant me spiritual discernment to recognize deception, hypocrisy and vain arguments 🙏. 2.Father, help me to remember that I belong completely to Christ and to live according to His will 🙏. 3 Lord, deliver me from empty religious knowledge and help me to personalize and practice Your Word 🙏. 4.Father, give us the wisdom of Christ to answer difficult questions with truth, grace, humility and courage. Help us to be doers of your Word and not hearers only 🙏. *HYMN:* Lord speak to me *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 3-5. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *RESPONSIBILITIES OF DUAL CITIZENS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MATTHEW 22:18-22```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (MATTHEW 22:20, 21).*_ *Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 - 2006, is a figure whose life was shaped by the responsibilities of dual citizenship. While Annan was a Ghanaian citizen by birth, his role in international diplomacy required him to balance his connection to his homeland with his responsibility to the global community. In his role in Ghana, he worked to advance the nation's standing on the world stage, often advocating for African issues and the continent's development in the international arena. On the other hand, in his global duty as UN Secretary-General, his role involved diplomacy with countries in conflict, addressing human rights abuses, and working toward humanitarian aid and general global peace.* *In the passage, the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus, posed a question about paying taxes to Caesar. The dilemma they presented seemed unsolvable: if Jesus said it was lawful to pay tax, He could alienate the people, who hated Roman rule. But if He said it was unlawful, He could be accused of stirring insurrection. But Jesus, with His wisdom, cut through the manipulation and answered in a way that transcended their trap. He asked for a coin, a denarius, and asked whose image was on it. "Caesar's," they replied. Then, He gave a profound answer that has echoed through history: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."* *Jesus' words highlight that we are citizens of two realms - an earthly kingdom, with earthly responsibilities, and God's kingdom, with eternal responsibilities. While on earth, we are to honour the systems of authority set before us, paying taxes, respecting laws, and fulfilling our civic duties, which are part of our witness to the world. On the other hand, we must always remember that we are made in the likeness of God and, as such, our lives, our hearts, our very being, are His. In all, while our lives may be marked by the needs of the world - job, family, relationships - our ultimate allegiance should lie with God.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A coin has two sides, so do our duties to God and man.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 3-5*📜📜 Responsibilities Of Dual Citizens https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED; GHS 223: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE; AND GHS 233: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *A CHILD WITH A DIFFERENCE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👶🏽👦🏽👨🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 SAMUEL 2:22-26```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (1 SAMUEL 2:26).*_ *Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, a 26-year-old Indian is referred to as the "world's fastest human calculator." According to the _Limca Book of Records,_ India's equivalent to _Guinness World Records,_ Bhanu's brain processes numbers about 10 times faster than regular brains. He is an exceptional individual with unusual gifts and talents.* *The Biblical young Samuel was one of such children with a difference. He was raised in the house of Prophet Eli with his wayward and corrupt children. Samuel grew up like a lily in the mire without any taint of environmental corruption.* *Samuel did not join the bandwagon of the ruffians, Hophni and Phinehas (Eli's children) among whom he grew up. God called them sons of Belial who knew not the Lord. Because Samuel kept himself from evils around him, he became a priest, prophet and leader for the whole nation of Israel.* *To fulfill God's purpose for your life and make impact in your world, you must be holy and righteous. You are exceptional. You can make a difference in your world.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You can make a difference.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Make definite impact in your world.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Help me Lord, to fulfill Your purpose in life.*_ A Child With A Difference https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *PROFITABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```EXODUS 23:25-26```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee" (Exodus 23:25).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Kingdom work involves the use of our God-given resources, like time, strength, talents and finances, in promoting the kingdom of God. It is a profitable service that attracts rewards on earth and in Heaven. Some of the benefits are outlined below: *(i) Divine Blessings - Provision of food and other needs (Exodus 23:25).* *(ii) Divine Health - Healing and sound health (Exodus 23:25).* *(iii) Long Life - Live long and healthy till old age (Exodus 23:26).* *(iv) Prosperity - God will prosper you in every area of life: academics, career, and material blessings (Job 36:11).* *(v) Honour - Undeserved favour and honour from God. At last, the faithful servant will make it to heaven and live with Jesus forever (John 12:26).* *(vi) Distinction - You will be the head and not the tail. Also, you will have excellent results, and become ten times better (Deuteronomy 28:13).* *(vii) Fulfillment in Life - You will never lack anything that is good. All that you desire shall come to pass (Matthew 6:33).* *It is time to wake up and get involved in kingdom service so that you can get the reward from God.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*May my sacrifice be acceptable unto You oh Lord!*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *1 Corinthians 4:1-4* Profitable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ⏤ John 8:12 Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ⏤ John Bunyan O God, the source of all truth and grace, You’ve called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light—grant us Your blessing as this new day begins. We ask for Your grace to walk worthy of our high calling, with humility, faith, and hope. May we let our light shine before others so they may see our good works and glorify You. We ask for grace to perform our tasks diligently, to manage our affairs wisely, to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and to acknowledge You in all our ways. Order our steps in Your word and don’t let sin have any power over us. Give us our daily bread. Provide what we need for this day. Grant us health of body and soundness of mind so that we’re prepared for the duties ahead. Prosper our efforts as long as they align with Your will. If any of our plans don’t fit into Your plan for our lives, we ask that You set them aside, for we don’t want to go against You or do anything that You won’t approve or bless. Restrain us from all excesses, from unwise words, from foolish vanity, and from uncontrolled emotions. Make us thoughtful, serious, and prayerful. O God, You allowed Your only Son to be tempted by the Evil One so that He could support those who are tempted. We ask You to deliver us from the snares and temptations that constantly surround us, and to strengthen us by Your Spirit so that in all things, we may be more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/47/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

AYAC 2026 | Day 2: HOUR OF VISITATION| WORD SESSION 1 Message Title: *Next Levels Mentality is Critical* Ministering: *Pastor Steve Ogah* Every next levels experience begins with next levels mentality. Mentality connotes your mindset, your way, or pattern of thinking. - Pro. 4:18 Your mentality defines your reality. You cannot move in life beyond your mentality. *Dimensions of Mentality You Need as a Believer:* 1. You must understand that God's Word is the spiritual mirror that reveals who you are in God's perspective. - James 1:22, 25 - If you want to know what God says concerning you, the Word is the mirror. 2. By redemption you are ordained for continuous progress until Christ comes. - Pro. 4:18 - Stagnation is not God's plan for you, He has ordained that the path of His children shines bright. 3. You are ordained to enjoy a from glory to glory adventure in life. - 2 Cor. 3:18 *As a child of God, you are ordained:* 1. A pace-setter and a trailblazer. - Matt. 5:13-16 2. A greater potential than all Old Testament saints lies in you. - Matt. 12:42 3. To reign on the earth as kings and priests. - Rev. 5:9-10 *Forces Behind Next Levels Mentality:* - Vision. - Jer. 1:5 - Access to divine secrets. - Job 29:4 - The anointing. - Acts 2:1-6, 14-21

Brenda Walsh Ministries For God’s Eyes Only. "Ministry" is all about serving others. In fact, the name itself comes from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning "to serve," and is not meant to be a position of glory or prestige. This isn’t a job for someone wanting to be noticed and held in high esteem, but rather a life of humility, quietly serving–not to impress others, but for the approval of God’s eyes only! However, there are some who think that “ministry” is only for the work of pastors or traveling evangelists. But God has called us all to be “ministers.” The Bible says in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” But to heed God’s command, you must be fueled by Holy Spirit power! In 1 Peter 4:11, we’re told, “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” The keywords are “the ability which GOD supplies!” Make no mistake, God is calling YOU to minister for Him! But first, you must come before His throne with a humble heart, and pray for an anointing of His Holy Spirit so that God can use you in a mighty way! And don’t forget to ask Him to strip away all pride and pretentiousness–giving you a servant’s heart so that you won’t be tempted to work for the applause of others–but to truly glorify your Lord and Savior! Text: James 4:10, Psalm 25:9, Romans 12:6-7, Psalm 51:17

Day 3. Spiritual credentials do not make anyone immune “Spiritual credentials do not exempt one from lust’s trap.” Explanation: This is particularly relevant to Christians, ministers, leaders, and people actively involved in church. Position, anointing, knowledge, ministry experience, or reputation cannot replace personal vigilance. David and Samson demonstrate that a person can have a significant calling and still fall when sinful desire is left unchecked. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYNH5WMM?lv=shuf&channelId=510&plpRedirect=mhFallback

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." This verse is a beautiful picture of God's blessing, favor, protection, and abundance. In biblical times, anointing someone's head with oil was a sign of honor, refreshment, and hospitality. David uses this imagery to show how God cares for and blesses His people even in difficult circumstances.

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 6 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. In both instances, what we experience by-passes the mind or intellect. Both the witness within our spirits, and the inner voice of the Holy Spirit may at times go contrary to our personal feelings and emotions" regarding some matter but we will know, nevertheless, what God's will is concerning the situation and what we should do. Feelings and emotions can deceive or confuse us if we rely entirely upon them, for this is the realm in which both Satan and the intellect reign; whereas the enlightened spirit of a Christian, and the voice of God's Spirit within will always guide us correctly if we will listen to them (Jn. 16:13) 1 Cor. 2:10-16; 1 Jn. 2:27). Of course, usually what we feel about a situation will be in harmony with what we are inwardly impressed to do, but it is not our feelings or emotions through which God's will is imparted to us. Inasmuch as God frequently desires to alert us to some spiritual or physical danger, prepare us with regarding some event that is about to occur, or inform us concerning His will about some present or future matter, then it is imperative that we become sensitive to the inner voice of the Spirit if we are to hear Him when He speaks. It is a real blessing to be so sensitive to the Spirit's voice that you know when you are moving in the will of God. Being yielded to the Spirit is the secret of being "fruitful in every good work." When we are fully yielded to Him, and sensitive to His voice, then we can always move with Him, fulfilling God's will, and we will not have to waste time planning and scheming, or running all over the place hoping that we are doing God's will and fulfilling His purpose. By Prophecy Occasionally God will inform us of His will regarding some matter, or concerning some problem about which we are praying, through prophecy or the ministry gift of the prophet. Generally, this will be a confirmation of what He has already been speaking inwardly to us about, and not the giving of guidance by prophecy as such. It cannot be overemphasized that it is God's purpose to lead the Christian inwardly by His Spirit or the inward witness (Rom. 8:14; 1 Cor. 2:14-16). Christians are not to seek guidance through prophecy or visions, inasmuch as some people have been misdirected or led astray, sometimes with serious consequences, on the basis of an alleged prophecy or revelation given to them by some overzealous individual who felt that he (or she) had an anointing to "prophesy" to them. In one case a minister who was sure that he had been led of the Spirit to leave a certain church to minister in another place was then prophesied to by a self-appointed prophetess and told that the Lord wanted him to return to the former church which he had recently left. This left him thoroughly confused as to what he was supposed to do, not knowing which of the two conflicting "revelations" was from the Lord. In two other instances, certain individuals who were seeking guidance were informed by overzealous Christians with an "anointing" that they were to move to a certain city and state as this was God's will for them. In neither case was the guidance from the Lord. Some Christians have actually been appointed to some office such as prophet, teacher, elder, or evangelist, and some Christian groups have been set in "divine order" by misguided individuals who interpret emotional feeling, spiritual enthusiasm, or actual delusion by Satan, as an anointing to prophesy. In other instances, a genuine anointing to speak in tongues or to minister the simple gift of prophecy to the church for "edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3) was misdirected to some particular individual and ended up as personal guidance coming forth from their own spirits instead of the Holy Spirit. In another instance, a woman "prophesied" to the leader of a group that it was time to discontinue teaching them, as God wanted them to begin to stand on their own feet without teaching. Shortly after his ministry was terminated, the leader of the group realized the mistake and contacted him three times wanting to know if he thought the prophecy had been genuine, inasmuch as it was obvious to all that they had not reached such a place of spiritual maturity where they no longer needed Biblical teaching. Christians should not seek guidance by prophecy or visions. We have reference here only to the attempt to seek or give guidance by means of personal prophecy or revelation through some over zealous individual, not to prophecy and visions in general which God does give to His Church for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor.14:3; Joel 2:28-29). Occasionally, God Himself chooses to speak to us through prophecy and vision in order to lead us, but in every case it will be in harmony with His Word, and it will authenticated by the fact that it is usually a confirmation of what the Spirit has already shown to us personally. Also, occasionally, prophecy becomes the means by which God leads us in order to fulfill His will about some important matter. By Scriptural Teaching; One of the most important channels through which God desires to speak to His people and reveal His will to them is one that few people recognize and appreciate as they should, and that is through the ministry of biblical teaching. Frequently, in a meeting people will come and ask for an appointment for spiritual counseling concerning some question or problem confronting them. Instead, they should first plan to attend all the teaching sessions, inasmuch as God has sent this ministry into their midst at this time to help solve such problems as this for which they feel they need counseling, and that He often gives the necessary guidance through the teaching. On several occasions people who have taken such advice have come afterward and stated that they no longer were in need of counseling as God had given them the answers they needed through the teaching ministry. Certainly God knows the various problems and needs of His people, and that it would be impossible for any one minister to deal with everyone individually who requests counseling and help. Therefore, through the teaching ministry He provides the solution for those who are willing to pay the cost of sacrificing some of their time and interest in other things to avail themselves of it. Sadly, there are some individuals who will not do this. They will insist that you give them individual attention and special time, as they believe that their problems are of such a nature to warrant it, but at the same time they will not avail themselves of the ministry God has sent into their midst to help them. It is useless to expect God to give you special guidance and revelation about some matter when you do not avail yourself of the biblical ministry that He is sending into your locality for precisely this purpose. Your problems and the decisions you must make are not really much different from those of most other Christians. It is only because they affect you personally that you think this. And even if your problems were unusually different, nevertheless, there are certain spiritual principles set forth in God's Word which can be brought forth through teaching which will show you how to deal with your situation and what your responsibility is with regard to it. We have found this to be true time and again. For example, some faith principle which can be applied for healing a disease can also be used to solve a financial or marital problem, if you know what it is and how to apply it. But one must be willing to avail himself of the teaching ministry and literature available in order to learn these truths, for "faith cometh by hearing the Word" (Rom. 10:17). For instance, such passages as Matthew 18:19, Mark 11:22-24; John 14:14; 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:19, and Psalm 37:4 have almost limitless potential for fulfilling practically any need of every description when the believer knows how to apply them and accepts their validity for today. For the thousands who accept the responsibility of learning how to live and walk by faith themselves, they discover that they are able, not only to help themselves, but also liberate others from their problems and oppression. God desires for us to mature to the place where we do not constantly need to be ministered to, but can minister to others and their needs. Through Circumstances; Sometimes God confirms His will to us through circumstances, controlling or changing events in such a way that we are able to recognize His providential hand at work to fulfill His purpose in our lives. God informed Abraham that his descendants would spend 400 years in Egypt before He would bring them forth to inherit the Promised Land (Gen. 15). At the time God told him this, Abraham did not have a single descendant, for as yet Isaac had not been born. From this time, we see God beginning to bring His will for Israel to pass through the providential control of circumstances and events. Twenty-five years later Isaac is born by a miracle to Sarah, who is barren. His son Jacob in turn has twelve sons, one of whom is Joseph, his favorite. Because of envy his brothers sell him into slavery into Egypt, which begins a new phase of the fulfillment of God's plan to get Abraham's descendants into Egypt, a famine later compelling Jacob and all of his descendants to migrate there to live. After several years of hardship and adversity, Joseph had been miraculously elevated to a high position in Egypt by Pharaoh, a divine foresight to prepare the way for the Israelites. Thus, their arrival in Egypt was no accident, nor were they merely victims of circumstances, but we are clearly shown the providential control of God throughout, a fact which Joseph himself discerned (Gen. 50:20). The fulfillment of God's plan for our lives often depends, to some degree at least, upon our awareness of His providential working and controlling our daily affairs and experiences. As stated previously, God's plan for your life did not begin when you were born or when you were converted, but the Scriptures declare that the believer was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and called to fulfill His glorious plan and purpose (Rom. 8:28-30, Eph. 1:3-6), Moreover, God has often been working in the circumstances of your life for months or years before He reveals some aspect of His purpose to you. We are not to seek guidance by asking God to reveal His will to us through outward circumstances generally, but as we pray for His leading, usually He will impress upon us what course of action to take. Frequently, He will then confirm this inward leading through circumstances and events in our lives, which, if we are spiritually observant enough, can be discerned. CONCLUSION. We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9) The Apostle prays. It is not sufficient just to have a knowledge of God's will, but as the quotation above indicates, we must also have spiritual wisdom and understanding to be able to apply it and profit from it. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly and effectively. Solomon knew God's will for his life - he was chosen to be the King of Israel. But he was also aware that if he was to succeed in this task and fulfill God's will as he should, then he would need more than mere human wisdom and the limited understanding man acquires through study and by experience so he prayed for the impartation of divine wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Thus, it is one thing to know God's will; it is another to have the wisdom and understanding to apply it. A man may know a very great deal, and yet not be a wise man. Occasionally, for example, we see a student who graduates from college with a high academic standing sometimes fail completely in some career or profession which he has chosen, simply because he lacks the wisdom to apply his knowledge in a practical way to his life. A wise Christian, therefore, is not just one who knows His Lord's will, but he is one who also understands how to use this knowledge in the proper place, in the proper way, and at the proper time. For instance, every believer knows, on the basis of Jesus' clear teaching in John 15, that the Christian is called to "bear fruit." But the mere possession of the knowledge of this fact does not impart to the believer the wisdom to accomplish it, for the churches are literally exhausting themselves in all manner of religious programs and activities in an effort to accomplish God's will in this regard, without any significant achievement. It is one thing for the Christian to know that he has been called to bear fruit, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal to him the understanding that it is not in doing, but in dying that we bear fruit (Jn. 12:24). Paul's prayer is that "you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ... being fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:9-10), revealing, thereby, that fruitfulness does not lie merely in knowing God's will, but also in possessing the spiritual wisdom and understanding to apply it. As was shown earlier, fruitfulness is not merely religious activity, such as serving in two or three offices in the church, visiting as many homes as possible in the community to invite people to church, giving out tracts, busyness with churchwork, attending all the services, reading the Bible through at least once a year, and so on. Fruitfulness does not come by religious commotion, but through crucifixion; not by doing, but by dying. God calls no one to work for Him, but to learn to move with Him. This truth is not something one can discern with reason or intellect, but comes as a result of the impartation of divine wisdom and understanding to those who ask for it, "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Prov. 2:6 ). Again, it is one thing to know that the believer is called to experience a measure of trials and tests of his faith (1 Pet. 2:19f; Jam. 1:2-4), but human wisdom will never help him to see the eternal purpose in those trials, nor enable him to respond in such a way that he will profit and not lose by such sufferings and testing. It requires divine wisdom and understanding to meet temptations, and to bear trials, so that such testing, instead of depressing and defeating the believer, will be able to accomplish God's will and purpose in his life. It requires divine understanding for him to see that Romans 8:28 is valid for him in time of trial and adversity, as well as in time of prosperity and blessing. Thus, when you seek a knowledge of God's will for your life, and for making decisions in important matters, also ask Him for wisdom and spiritual understanding to apply the knowledge He imparts to you, for the Scriptures tell us– Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Prov. 4:7). Amen and amen! Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

On September 30, 2020, I saw in a vision of something I could not shake. A swarm of flaming locusts sweeping across the globe. Not cute. Violent swarm carried by the wind. Not symbolic in some shallow religious way. It was violent in purity. Ordered in movement. Terrifying in holiness. A living picture of a people seized by God and carried by wind. Then I heard the Lord say: “Even so must My people be. Prepare. Make ready. For there comes a final mighty wind of My Spirit to launch you as a flaming army.” I have carried that word for years. Quietly. Carefully. Soberly. Because not every vision is meant to be posted the moment it is seen. Some things must sit in the fear of the Lord long enough to burn the pride out of the messenger. And I am saying this now with trembling: I believe the time of preparation is narrowing. God is not raising up a casual people for a casual hour. He is not gathering performers. He is not anointing ambition. He is not breathing on religious noise. He is preparing a people who know how to wait until the wind comes. Because locusts do not move alone. They move in swarms. They move by timing. They move with a force greater than themselves. And when the wind takes them, what was hidden becomes unstoppable. That is what I believe the Spirit of God is doing in the earth. He is forming a flaming army in the secret place. Not famous people. Faithful people. Not polished people. Prepared people. Not people addicted to platforms. People who have been burned clean at the altar. This is not the hour for borrowed oil. This is not the hour for loud mouths and empty lamps. This is not the hour to jump because something looks exciting. This is the hour to discern the wind of God. To know when to wait. To know when to move. To know when to leap. Jeremiah 51:10–16 speaks of the Lord bringing forth His righteousness and calling His people to declare His work. Nahum 3:14–17 speaks of preparation, siege, fire, locusts, and scattering. There is a pattern here for those with ears to hear. Preparation before release. Fire before movement. Discernment before assignment. Formation before harvest. And hear me clearly: The darkness we are called to confront must first be burned out of us. Because an unpurified vessel cannot carry holy fire without turning it into strange fire. So I am praying this again. Lord, prepare us. Strip the laziness out of us. Burn the compromise out of us. Deliver us from spiritual performance. Teach us to discern what is You and what is only noise wearing Your language. Give us timing to jump so the wind can take us Give us obedience. Give us holy fire. Let the mighty wind of Your Spirit come upon a prepared people. Make us one body. One swarm. One flaming army. Not to be seen. To be sent. Not to make a name. To bear Your name. Not to destroy people. To destroy darkness. Not to consume souls with control. To gather souls into the harvest of Jesus Christ. This is not hype. This is warning. This is preparation. This is the sound before the wind. I’ve seen enough to stay awake. I love enough to warn. I fear God enough to speak. This is THE WATCH

Please let me know if YOU agree or disagree with this. Praise Songs are saying Look at me! Worship songs are His Presence and His Anointing, saying Look TO ME!

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 9–10 | 2 Corinthians 13 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 9 God’s Judgment and the Certainty of His Word 2 Kings 9 marks a decisive turning point in Israel's history as God begins carrying out the judgment He had previously announced through Elijah. Elisha sends one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. This private act of anointing is more than a political transition—it is the beginning of God's righteous judgment against the house of Ahab for years of idolatry, injustice, and rebellion. Jehu immediately responds to God's calling with decisive action. The military leaders quickly recognize God's hand upon him and proclaim him king. What follows is not merely a change in leadership but the fulfillment of God's prophetic Word. Every event unfolds exactly as the Lord had declared years earlier. Jehu confronts King Joram and later King Ahaziah. Both kings experience the consequences of the spiritual corruption that had spread through Ahab's household. The narrative demonstrates that while God is patient, His warnings should never be mistaken for indifference. His judgment may be delayed, but it is always certain when people continually refuse to repent. The chapter reaches its climax with the death of Jezebel. For years she had promoted Baal worship, persecuted God's prophets, and manipulated justice for personal gain. Her end fulfills Elijah's prophecy in remarkable detail, proving once again that God's Word never fails. Human power, influence, and wealth cannot prevent the accomplishment of God's purposes. Throughout these dramatic events, the emphasis remains on God's faithfulness rather than Jehu's military ability. The Lord is bringing history into alignment with His covenant justice. He alone determines the rise and fall of kings. Theologically, 2 Kings 9 reveals both God's patience and His justice. He gives repeated opportunities for repentance, but persistent rebellion eventually brings judgment. The chapter also demonstrates that every prophecy spoken by God will be fulfilled exactly as He has declared. This chapter points to Christ, who will one day return as the righteous King and Judge. Unlike Jehu, whose mission was limited and imperfect, Jesus will establish perfect justice throughout the earth. His judgment will be completely righteous, and His kingdom will never end. For believers today, 2 Kings 9 reminds us that God takes sin seriously while remaining perfectly faithful to His Word. We should never presume upon His patience or delay obedience because judgment seems distant. In Christ, we have received mercy through the cross, and we are called to live in faithful obedience, knowing that our righteous King will ultimately establish perfect justice. 2 Kings 10 Zeal Without Wholehearted Obedience 2 Kings 10 continues Jehu's mission to remove the house of Ahab and eliminate Baal worship from Israel. The chapter begins with Jehu carrying out God's judgment against Ahab's descendants. Though these events are difficult to read, they demonstrate the seriousness of God's earlier warnings. What He had spoken through His prophets is now fulfilled completely. Jehu also confronts those who remained loyal to Ahab's family, bringing an end to their influence. The chapter repeatedly emphasizes that God's Word through Elijah has come to pass. The Lord proves once again that His promises and His warnings are equally certain. One of Jehu's most significant actions is his destruction of the temple of Baal. Through careful planning, he gathers the worshipers of Baal into one place and removes this center of idolatry from Israel. In doing so, Jehu accomplishes an important aspect of the task God had given him. His zeal for eliminating Baal worship appears commendable and demonstrates courage in confronting open rebellion against the Lord. Yet the chapter also reveals a serious weakness in Jehu's heart. Although he removes Baal worship, he refuses to abandon the golden calves established by Jeroboam. He eliminates one form of idolatry while tolerating another. His obedience is partial rather than complete. This becomes the defining lesson of Jehu's reign. God commends him for carrying out His judgment against Ahab, yet the nation does not experience lasting spiritual renewal because Jehu himself never fully follows the Lord with all his heart. Outward reform without inward devotion cannot produce lasting transformation. As a result, the chapter concludes with Israel beginning to experience military losses. The nation continues to decline because true revival requires more than removing outward sin—it requires wholehearted love for God. Theologically, 2 Kings 10 teaches that partial obedience is not the same as complete surrender. God desires hearts that are fully devoted to Him, not selective obedience based on personal preference. Religious reform alone cannot replace genuine relationship with the Lord. This chapter points to Christ, who fulfilled the Father's will perfectly. Jesus did not obey partially or selectively but completed every aspect of God's redemptive plan. Through His perfect obedience, believers receive the righteousness they could never achieve on their own. For believers today, 2 Kings 10 challenges us to examine whether there are areas of compromise we have allowed to remain in our lives. It is possible to be zealous for certain aspects of God's work while still holding onto idols of the heart. In Christ, we are called to wholehearted obedience, surrendering every area of our lives to His lordship. True spiritual transformation begins when our devotion to God is complete, and our desire is not merely to remove obvious sin but to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. 2 Corinthians 13 — Standing Firm in the Christ 2 Corinthians chapter 13 brings Paul's letter to a fitting conclusion by calling believers to examine their lives, pursue spiritual maturity, and remain united in the Christ, the Son of God. After defending the integrity of his ministry and repeatedly pointing the church back to the gospel, Paul ends with a pastoral appeal rather than a personal victory. The redemptive plan is not simply about correcting error but about producing mature disciples who faithfully reflect the character of the Christ. The chapter begins with Paul's preparation for another visit to Corinth. He reminds the believers that sin cannot simply be ignored. God's desire is always restoration, but restoration requires honesty, repentance, and obedience. Christian living involves a willingness to receive correction because the Son of God disciplines those He loves. His purpose is never destruction but the strengthening of His people. Paul addresses those who questioned his authority and sought proof that the Christ was working through him. Rather than responding with pride, he points to the example of Jesus Himself. The Christ willingly embraced weakness through His suffering and crucifixion, yet He now lives in the power of God. This becomes a pattern for every believer. The redemptive plan often displays God's greatest power through what the world considers weakness. Christian living is not built upon self-sufficiency but upon continual dependence on the risen Son of God. One of the central themes of the chapter is self-examination. Rather than spending energy evaluating others, believers are called to examine their own relationship with the Christ. This examination is not intended to create fear or uncertainty but to encourage genuine faith and continued spiritual growth. The Son of God desires hearts that remain sincere, humble, and fully devoted to Him. Paul expresses his prayer that the Corinthians would do what is right, even if it meant they no longer needed his correction. His goal was never to prove himself but to see the church walking faithfully with the Christ. This reflects the heart of true spiritual leadership. The redemptive plan always seeks the maturity of God's people rather than the recognition of His servants. The chapter also emphasizes the purpose of spiritual authority. God gives authority within the church to build up His people, not to tear them down. The Christ uses faithful leaders to strengthen, encourage, correct, and equip believers for greater obedience. Christian living flourishes when truth is spoken with love and authority is exercised with humility. As Paul closes the letter, he gives several practical exhortations that summarize much of what he has taught throughout both Corinthian letters. Believers are called to rejoice, pursue maturity, encourage one another, live in unity, and remain at peace. These qualities are evidence that the redemptive plan is actively transforming hearts. The Son of God does not merely save individuals; He creates a unified people who reflect His love and truth together. The letter concludes with one of the most beautiful blessings in the New Testament. Paul points to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. This closing reminder reveals that every aspect of Christian living depends upon the work of the triune God. The grace provided through the Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit sustain believers as they walk in God's redemptive plan. Throughout this chapter, the Christ remains the central focus. He is the standard by which believers examine themselves, the source of their strength, the model of humble obedience, and the One who equips His people for faithful living. The redemptive plan reaches beyond forgiveness into lifelong transformation, producing believers who increasingly reflect His character. For believers today, this chapter calls us to live with honest self-examination and unwavering devotion to the Christ. Christian living requires humility, repentance, and a continual desire to grow in spiritual maturity. We are reminded to pursue unity, encourage one another, and remain faithful to the truth of God's Word. As we rely upon the grace of the Son of God, walk in the love of the Father, and depend upon the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we become living testimonies of His redemptive plan and reflect the glory of the Christ to the world around us. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Lifeline Today Friday August 14 Draw Near They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:7 (NKJV) Keeping distance from God weakens a believer. It is nearness to Him that increases the strength you need for your life journey. Nearness is a spiritual state of close and personal fellowship with the Almighty; not a physical location, but an intimate connection built on faith, prayer, and trust. You need more strength constantly for various reasons. The ability you used to solve yesterday’s problem may not be adequate for tomorrow’s challenge. Your responsibility will always look bigger than your ability. The task before you will always look more enormous than the time and opportunity available to you. There are things you must go through always before you break through. As you draw near, you know more of God, and you draw more of His power and anointing to prevail and be in constant dominion. This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: "Drawing near to the source of your strength is the quickest way to renew it." Prayer: : Lord, You are my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. Thank You because You are never far away; You are in me. Strengthen me with power through Your Spirit in my inner being. When I am weak, let Your infinite might take over. Give me courage for the tasks ahead and peace that quiets my anxious thoughts. Help me to walk closely with You always, taking one step at a time in total reliance on Your love for me in Jesus’ name.