*TESTAMENT OF GRACE GLOBAL ASSEMBLY (GRACE REVIVAL CENTRE)* *LIFELINES DEVOTIONAL FOR THURSDAY,AUGUST 27, 2026* *TOPIC: RESTORED DOMINION* *BIBLE VERSE* “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”-Genesis 1:28 (KJV) *MEDITATION* From the beginning, God created humanity with a mandate of dominion. Genesis 1:28 reveals that dominion was not man's invention but God's gift and responsibility. To have dominion means to exercise responsible authority and stewardship under God's ultimate rule, bringing order, productivity, righteousness, and godly influence into the sphere entrusted to us. Sin, however, damaged humanity's relationship with God and disrupted the proper exercise of this mandate. When Adam disobeyed God, he surrendered himself to sin's power and opened the door to consequences that affected the entire human race (Genesis 3:6–19; Romans 5:12). Believers today can also experience a diminished exercise of their God-given authority when they live in persistent disobedience, surrender to fear, allow destructive habits to control them, or forget their identity and authority in Christ. Dominion is therefore not a license for pride or domination over other people; it is the responsibility to live under God's authority while exercising the authority He has entrusted to us. The good news is that Christ came to restore what sin had damaged. Jesus declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18), and He commissioned His followers to operate under that authority. When His disciples returned from ministry, Jesus told them, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19). Through Christ, believers are no longer required to live as slaves to the dominion of sin, fear, or the devil. Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” The restoration of dominion therefore begins with understanding what Christ has accomplished. We do not reclaim authority by human strength or spiritual bravado; we receive and exercise our authority through submission to Jesus Christ, whose victory becomes the foundation of our victory. One of the clearest biblical examples of restored dominion is found in the life of Samson, although his story also warns us about the consequences of careless living. God gave Samson extraordinary strength and a divine assignment, but his repeated compromise eventually weakened his effectiveness and resulted in his capture by the Philistines (Judges 16:19–21). In his final moments, however, Samson turned his heart toward God and cried, “O Lord GOD, remember me” (Judges 16:28). God answered his prayer, and Samson's strength was restored for one final act of deliverance. His story demonstrates that spiritual compromise can severely damage the exercise of what God has entrusted to us, but it also shows that failure does not have to be the end. Restoration begins when we return to God in humility and allow Him to rebuild what disobedience has weakened. Restoring dominion therefore requires repentance, renewal, and a deliberate return to God's Word. James 4:7 gives a simple but powerful pattern: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Notice that submission to God comes before resistance to the devil. We cannot effectively exercise kingdom authority while deliberately resisting the authority of the King. The believer must therefore confess and forsake sin (1 John 1:9), renew the mind through God's Word (Romans 12:2), strengthen the spirit through prayer, and learn to distinguish God's will from personal ambition. Jesus demonstrated this principle when He resisted Satan in the wilderness by standing upon Scripture (Matthew 4:1–11). Dominion is restored when our lives come back into alignment with the One who gave us the mandate in the first place. Restored dominion must also be expressed through responsible action and godly influence. Joseph exercised remarkable authority in Egypt, but he did not use his position for selfish domination; he used it to preserve lives during famine (Genesis 41:38–57). Daniel likewise exercised influence in Babylon without abandoning his loyalty to God (Daniel 6:3–5). These men demonstrate that kingdom dominion is not about controlling people but about bringing God's wisdom, righteousness, excellence, and order into the places where He has positioned us. A believer exercises restored dominion when he governs his own appetites, manages his resources wisely, leads his family responsibly, resists destructive influences, serves others, makes righteous decisions, and uses his opportunities to advance God's purposes. Proverbs 16:32 reminds us that ruling one's spirit is greater than conquering a city, showing that genuine dominion begins with self-government. If you have allowed sin, fear, failure, addiction, discouragement, or spiritual negligence to weaken your sense and exercise of God-given authority, do not accept defeat as your permanent condition. Return to Christ, because He is the source of your authority and the foundation of your restoration. Remember that your dominion does not mean that you will never encounter opposition or hardship; rather, it means that circumstances, sin, fear, and the enemy do not have the final authority over a believer who remains submitted to Christ. Scripture says that God “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Therefore, rise again in the authority Christ has provided, rebuild your spiritual life upon God's Word, walk in obedience, and exercise your influence with humility and wisdom. What has been weakened can be strengthened, what has been surrendered can be reclaimed, and what has been neglected can be rebuilt. Through Christ, the believer can recover the confidence and capacity to live under God's authority and fulfil the dominion mandate for which he was created. *PRAYER* Heavenly Father, thank You for the authority and responsibility You have given me through Christ. Restore every area of my life where sin, fear, failure, or disobedience has weakened my dominion. Help me to submit completely to You, stand firmly upon Your Word, resist every work of the enemy, and exercise godly authority with wisdom and humility. Let my life bring order, fruitfulness, righteousness, and glory to Your name. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

WHAT IS SIN? 1 JOHN 3:4 KJV 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Sin is breaking the Law, missing the mark set by God. The word "sin" is a translation of the Greek word "hamartia" which means to miss the mark. ROMANS 3:23 NLT 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Religious tradition labels many things as sin which the Bible does not. People make up all kinds of rules based on what they think is right. But God is the judge and only God can decree what sin is. MARK 7:9 KJV 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. God has not left us to wonder what sin is. The Bible reveals it to us. We don't have to guess, or make it up as we go. Just because you do something someone else thinks is wrong does not mean it is a sin. So don't let people condemn you over things the Bible does not clearly say are wrong. God is the judge. COLOSSIANS 2:8 NKJ 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Another error is to think being tempted is a sin. Temptation itself is not sin. You cannot help being tempted. Even Jesus was tempted -- but He never yielded. HEBREWS 4:15 NKJ 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. A common mistake is believing that having bad thoughts is a sin. It is not a sin to be tempted with bad thoughts. It only becomes a sin when we embrace those thoughts as our own and decide to act on them. JAMES 1:15 NLT 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. God is against sin because it is deadly. Sin brings forth death, not life and blessing. God loves people, so He is against everything that harms people. All sin harms people. (Just because you don't see how a sin would harm anyone, does not mean you know more than God.) But no human can be right with God by never sinning. We have all fallen short and need a Savior. It is only by God's grace and His forgiveness that we can be right with God. ROMANS 3:20 NLT 20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. We can be glad because Jesus came to save sinners, and He paid the price for the forgiveness of all sins by shedding His blood. EPHESIANS 1:7 NKJ 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace SAY THIS: Only God has the authority to decide what sin is. God bless you!

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 239 DATE: 27TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: TAKE HIS YOKE UPON YOU_2 ANCHOR SCRIPTURE:MATTHEW 11:29–30 (NKJV) “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Devotional message: Yesterday, we saw that Jesus desires us to be yoked with Him so that He can order our steps and ensure that we walk on the path of light. Today, we continue by looking at another reason we must remain yoked with Christ: He desires to direct our lives. The Bible warns us against leaning on our own understanding because our own wisdom and direction can lead us away from God's will. True and lasting fulfillment is found when we allow God to direct our paths. When we are yoked with Christ, we surrender our will, plans, decisions, and ambitions to Him. We no longer insist on going where we want to go; instead, we learn to follow where He leads. His Word becomes our final authority, and the Holy Spirit becomes our guide. It is through this relationship with Christ that we begin to discover and fulfil our God-given purpose. God created each of us intentionally, and He has assignments prepared for us. However, we cannot fulfil those assignments by depending solely on our own wisdom, strength, or abilities. As we conform to the image of Christ, we become better equipped to represent Him and function according to His purposes. The closer we walk with Him, the clearer His direction becomes. Therefore, ask yourself today: Am I fulfilling what God created me to do? Am I walking according to His Word and submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit, or am I directing my own life?If you are already walking in God's purpose, continue faithfully. But if you have discovered that you have been walking according to your own plans, return to Christ and allow Him to order your steps.For the believer, the answer is to yoke yourself more deeply with Christ. For the unbeliever, the first step is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and begin a life of surrender to Him. Do not merely come to Jesus for rest; walk with Him under His yoke. Let Him direct your decisions, relationships, career, ministry, business, and every area of your life. Make His Word your final authority and submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.When Christ directs your steps, you will not merely live—you will live with purpose, direction, and divine fulfillment. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Jesus Christ, the One who directs my steps and leads me into Your purposes. Help me not to lean on my own understanding but to trust You completely.Reveal my God-given purpose and give me grace to fulfil it. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Bible Reading Prov 3:5–6,John 15:1–8,Rom 8:28–30,Eph 2:10,Gal 5:16–25 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty@gmail.com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

Seek God First (Matthew 6:33) What are you chasing? Success? Money? A better job? A relationship? Recognition? A bigger house? More followers? A better future? There is nothing wrong with having goals and dreams. God has given us abilities, opportunities, and responsibilities that we should use wisely. But there is a danger when the things we want become more important than the God who gave us the ability to pursue them. Jesus said: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Notice the order: Seek God first. Not after your career. Not after your relationships. Not after you've achieved your goals. Not only when you are in trouble. First. The world tells us: “Build your career first.” “Make money first.” “Become successful first.” “Get everything you want first.” Then we can easily begin treating God as something we fit into the remaining space in our lives. But God doesn't want to be an afterthought. He wants to be at the centre. Think about your daily schedule. What receives your best attention? What occupies your thoughts? What determines your decisions? What do you spend most of your time pursuing? Your priorities reveal what matters most to you. You can say that God is first, but your life will eventually show whether that is true. Seeking God first means making Him central to your decisions. Before accepting an opportunity, ask: “Does this honour God?” Before entering a relationship, ask: “Will this relationship help me grow closer to Christ?” Before making a major financial decision, ask: “Am I handling what God has given me responsibly?” Before choosing how to use your time, ask: “What does God want me to do with this day?” Seeking God first doesn't mean abandoning your ambitions. It means surrendering your ambitions to Him. You can pursue a career and still honour God. You can build a business and still honour God. You can become successful and still remain humble. You can have financial goals and still put God first. The question isn't whether you have goals. The question is: Who is at the centre of those goals? Are you pursuing success so people will admire you? Or are you pursuing excellence so you can use your gifts to serve God and others? Are you chasing money because you believe it will finally make you happy? Or are you learning to manage resources faithfully and generously? Are you seeking recognition? Or are you content knowing that God sees your work even when people don't? Jesus also warned us about constantly worrying about material things. We worry about food. Clothing. Money. Tomorrow. Our future. And sometimes our pursuit of these things becomes so intense that we forget the God who sustains us. You don't have to ignore your responsibilities. Work hard. Plan wisely. Save. Learn. Build. Prepare. But don't let anxiety become your master. Trust God while you do your part. There will always be something else to chase. Another achievement. Another purchase. Another milestone. Another level. If your heart is always saying, “I'll be happy when I get that next thing,” you may spend your entire life waiting for happiness. But contentment begins when you recognize that God is enough. Paul learned this kind of contentment. He experienced abundance and hardship, yet his confidence wasn't ultimately based on his circumstances. His strength was found in Christ. And that's the kind of foundation we need. Because everything we own can disappear. Positions can change. Money can come and go. People can leave. Opportunities can close. But God remains. And if you have Jesus, you possess something far more valuable than anything this world can offer. Salvation. Forgiveness. Grace. A relationship with God. A hope that extends beyond this temporary life. So today, examine your priorities. Maybe you've been so busy building your future that you've neglected your relationship with God. Maybe your career has become your identity. Maybe money has become your security. Maybe your relationship has become your source of happiness. Maybe social media has become your source of validation. It's time to put things back in their proper place. Seek God first. Pray first. Read His Word. Listen to His voice. Obey Him. Serve Him. Love people. Work faithfully. And trust Him with the results. Don't build a successful life and discover later that you left God out of it. Build your life with God at the centre. When God is first, everything else can find its proper place. Today, ask yourself: “What has been competing with God for first place in my heart?” Then surrender it to Him. Not tomorrow. Today. #SeekGodFirst #Matthew633 #GodFirst #FaithOverMaterialism #TrustGod #ChristianLiving #KingdomOfGod #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE REAL REASON BARABBAS WAS SET FREE AND NOT JESUS. Main Text: Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:13–25; John 18:38–40 There are moments in Scripture that make us stop and ask, “How could this happen?” Jesus was innocent. Barabbas was guilty. Jesus healed the sick. Barabbas was a criminal. Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. Barabbas was associated with rebellion and violence. Yet the crowd shouted: “Release Barabbas!” And concerning Jesus: “Crucify Him!” It looks like injustice won. But here is the deeper truth: Barabbas was not simply released because Jesus lost the argument. Barabbas was released because Jesus was going to take his place. The story of Barabbas is actually a picture of the Gospel. Barabbas represents the guilty sinner. Jesus represents the innocent Savior. Barabbas walked away free because Jesus walked toward the cross. And that is the mystery of grace: The guilty goes free because the innocent One takes his place. 1. BARABBAS WAS GUILTY, BUT JESUS WAS INNOCENT Pilate examined Jesus and repeatedly found no sufficient reason to condemn Him. Luke 23:22 says: «“I have found no reason for death in Him.”» Jesus was innocent. But Barabbas had committed serious crimes. Mark 15:7 tells us that Barabbas had been involved in rebellion and murder. So, humanly speaking, the choice should have been obvious. But the crowd chose Barabbas. Why? Because the cross was not an accident. Jesus had already declared that He came to give His life for others. Mark 10:45 says: «“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”» Jesus knew why He came. He came to become the substitute. Spiritual Insight Sometimes we ask, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The answer is partly found in Barabbas. Someone had to bear the consequence of sin. And Jesus willingly took that place. 2. BARABBAS RECEIVED WHAT JESUS DESERVED This is the shocking part of the story. Barabbas deserved punishment. Jesus deserved no punishment. Yet Barabbas walked out of prison. Jesus walked toward Golgotha. Barabbas went free. Jesus was condemned. Barabbas was released. Jesus was crucified. This is substitution. The guilty person goes free because the innocent person takes his place. Isaiah 53:5 declares: «“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.”» Notice the language: Our transgressions. Our iniquities. Our punishment. The cross was personal. Jesus was not dying because He had sinned. He was dying because we had sinned. Think About This Barabbas probably did not understand everything that was happening. He may have walked out of that prison wondering how he escaped death. But we know something he may not have understood: Another Man died in his place. And spiritually, that is our story. We were guilty. Christ took our place. 3. THE RELEASE OF BARABBAS REVEALS THE DEPTH OF GOD'S GRACE Grace is not God pretending that sin does not matter. Grace is God dealing with sin through the sacrifice of Christ. Romans 5:8 says: «“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”» That means Jesus did not wait for us to become perfect before He loved us. He loved us while we were still sinners. Barabbas did not earn his freedom. He did not negotiate his release. He did not pay the governor. He simply received an unexpected release. That is grace. Grace is receiving what you could never earn because someone else paid the price. You cannot boast about salvation. You cannot say, “I saved myself.” No. Jesus saved you. 4. THE CROWD CHOSE BARABBAS, BUT GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH THE CROSS The crowd thought they were making the final decision. But heaven had already established a redemptive purpose. Acts 2:23 says that Jesus was delivered according to the “determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” This does not mean the people were innocent. Their choices were still sinful. But God was able to accomplish His redemptive plan through what sinful people intended for evil. This is one of the mysteries of God's sovereignty. People thought: “We are getting rid of Jesus.” God was accomplishing: “I am providing salvation for humanity.” The cross looked like defeat. But it became victory. The grave looked like the end. But resurrection was coming. Never Judge God's Work Too Early There may be seasons in your life when everything looks like it is going in the wrong direction. But remember Calvary. Friday looked like defeat. Sunday revealed the victory. Do not conclude the story while God is still writing it. 5. BARABBAS IS A PICTURE OF EVERY SINNER WHO RECEIVES SALVATION We often read the story and say: “Why did they release Barabbas?” But there is another question: “What if I were Barabbas?” What if you were the one sitting in that prison? What if you knew punishment was coming? What if you knew you were guilty? Then suddenly, the story becomes personal. Barabbas walked out because Jesus took his place. And every person who comes to Christ in genuine faith can say: “I deserved judgment, but Christ took my place.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: «“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”» That is the Gospel. Jesus took our place so that we could receive His righteousness. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE CROSS Look at the sequence. Barabbas: Guilty. Jesus: Innocent. Barabbas: Imprisoned. Jesus: Free. Barabbas: Released. Jesus: Condemned. Barabbas: Walked away. Jesus: Walked toward the cross. Barabbas: Lived because another died. Believers: Receive eternal life because Christ died and rose again. The cross is therefore more than a religious symbol. It is the place where justice and mercy met. Justice says sin must be dealt with. Mercy says sinners can be saved. At the cross, Jesus bore the judgment so that mercy could reach us. PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR CHRISTIANS. 1. Never take salvation for granted. You were not saved because you were better than someone else. You were saved by grace. Therefore, remain humble. 2. Stop trying to earn God's love You cannot work your way into salvation. Serve God because you love Him, not because you are trying to purchase His acceptance. 3. Forgive others If Christ has forgiven you, you must learn to extend forgiveness to others. 4. Live like someone who has been set free Barabbas walked out of prison. The believer has also been delivered from the dominion of sin. Do not keep living like a prisoner when Christ has made you free. 5. Tell someone about Jesus Your testimony may be simple: “I was guilty, but Jesus took my place.” That is powerful enough. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Have I truly understood what Jesus accomplished for me on the cross? 2. Am I trying to earn God's acceptance instead of receiving His grace? 3. Do I live like someone who has been set free? 4. Have I truly repented of my sins? 5. Who can I tell about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? 6. Do I extend to others the same mercy I have received from Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Thanksgiving Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to take my place. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I will never take my salvation for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, forgive me for every sin, disobedience, pride, and rebellion in my life. Cleanse me and help me walk faithfully with You. Amen. 3. Prayer for Freedom Every chain of sin, addiction, fear, and spiritual bondage in my life, break in the name of Jesus. I declare that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Amen. 4. Prayer for Grace Father, help me to understand the depth of Your grace and to live every day with gratitude for what Christ has done for me. Amen. 5. Prayer for Others Lord, use my life to bring other Barabbases to Jesus—people who feel condemned, rejected, broken, and far from You. Let my testimony point them to the cross. Amen. DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH Here is the heart of the message: Barabbas was released, not because he was innocent, but because another took his place. And that is the Gospel. We are not saved because we are perfect. We are saved because Jesus is perfect. We are not accepted because we deserve it. We are accepted because Christ paid the price. We are not standing before God because of our righteousness. We stand because of His righteousness. The cross says: “Your sin is serious, but God's grace is greater.” CALL TO ACTION Today, do not simply admire the story of Barabbas. See yourself in it. You were guilty. Christ took your place. You were condemned. Christ bore the condemnation. You were far from God. Christ opened the way back to the Father. The question is not merely: “Why was Barabbas released?” The deeper question is: “What will I do with the Jesus who took my place?” Will you continue living for yourself? Or will you surrender your life completely to Him? Will you keep returning to the prison of sin? Or will you walk in the freedom Christ purchased for you? Jesus took your place. Now give Him your life. «“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36» You are not free because you were innocent. You are free because Jesus became your substitute. THE CROSS WAS HIS PLACE. THE FREEDOM WAS YOURS. THE SACRIFICE WAS HIS. THE GRACE IS YOURS. Come to Jesus. Remain in Jesus. Live for Jesus. And tell the world about Jesus. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below https:/selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 https://www.facebook.com/share/14futvERWUD/

THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Don't Spend Money Just to Look Rich Bible Reference One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbour. Proverbs 17:18 (NIV) A Short Story Michael had recently started working, and for the first time in his life, he had a regular income. He was excited because he could finally afford some things he had wanted for a long time. However, he soon became more interested in looking successful than in becoming financially stable. Whenever he saw his friends buying expensive phones, clothes, shoes, and watches, he felt uncomfortable using the things he already had. He wanted people to see that he was also doing well. One weekend, he spent almost half of his salary on a new phone because he wanted to take better pictures and appear more successful on social media. A few weeks later, his friends invited him to an expensive outing. Michael did not have enough money, but he did not want to admit it. He borrowed money from someone and joined them. After that, he borrowed again to buy clothes for another event. Before long, a large part of his monthly income was going into things he did not really need. One evening, Michael needed money for an important personal expense, but his account was almost empty. He looked around his room and realised that he had many expensive things but very little savings. His phone was new, his clothes were impressive, and his pictures looked good online, but financially, he was struggling. That experience made him realise something important. He had been spending money to convince other people that he was doing well instead of actually building a stable life. Michael decided to change. He began budgeting his income, reducing unnecessary spending, saving regularly, and buying things because he needed them rather than because he wanted people to notice him. It took time, but he eventually became more financially responsible. Today's Message Money is an important part of life. Whether you are a student, employee, business owner, apprentice, minister, or young professional, you will have to make decisions about money. How you handle money today can affect your future. One of the biggest financial mistakes young people make is spending money to impress other people. You buy clothes you cannot afford because you want people to notice you. You buy an expensive phone because you do not want anyone to think you are struggling. You spend heavily at parties because you want your friends to see you as generous. You take loans for things you do not need simply because you want to maintain a certain lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with looking good or enjoying the good things you can genuinely afford. The problem begins when appearance becomes more important than wisdom. You do not have to look rich to be successful. Some people have expensive phones but no savings. Some drive good cars but are deeply in debt. Some wear expensive clothes but cannot handle an unexpected financial problem. Social media can make people feel pressured to look successful even when they are struggling privately. Do not build your life around people's opinions. Proverbs 21:20 says, The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Wisdom includes knowing how to keep some of what you earn instead of spending everything immediately. If you earn money, learn to budget. Know what comes in and what goes out. Separate your needs from your wants. Save something, even if it is small. Learn a skill that can increase your income. Avoid unnecessary debt. Be careful about borrowing money simply to maintain an appearance. You also need to understand that your value does not come from what you own. Your phone does not determine your worth. Your clothes do not determine your importance. The car you drive does not determine your future. The number of people who like your pictures does not determine your success. You are valuable because God created you and gave your life purpose. There is nothing shameful about starting small. If you cannot afford something, you do not need to pretend that you can. If you are still building your career, be honest about your season. If your business is still growing, do not spend all your profit trying to look successful. Build quietly. Learn. Save. Invest in yourself. Grow your income. Support your family wisely. Give to God faithfully. Prepare for the future. One day, you may be able to afford the things you desire without destroying your financial stability to get them. Remember that financial maturity is not simply about earning more money. It is also about knowing what to do with the money you already have. Do not let pressure from friends, social media, relationships, or society push you into financial decisions you will regret later. It is better to live within your means today and build a stronger future than to impress people today and struggle tomorrow. What To Do Today 1. Look at your spending from the past week and identify one unnecessary expense you can reduce. 2. Create a simple budget for the money you currently receive. 3. Start saving something regularly, even if the amount is small. 4. Before buying something expensive, ask yourself whether you need it, can afford it, and whether it will help your future. Prayer Lord, give me wisdom to handle money responsibly. Deliver me from the desire to impress people with things I cannot afford. Teach me discipline, contentment, patience, and good financial habits. Help me to use the resources You give me wisely, to prepare for the future, to help others, and to honour You with my finances. Give me the wisdom to build a stable life instead of living for appearances. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Before spending money today, ask yourself three questions: Do I need it? Can I afford it? Will this decision help or hurt my future? Do not spend to impress people. Build a life that is genuinely strong, not merely one that looks successful. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Thursday, August 27 📜 OLD TESTAMENT 1 SAMUEL 3 — The Lord Calls Samuel ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT REVELATION 1 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of Jude! Today we begin the book of Revelation. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 38 — Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION 📜 1 Samuel 3 Samuel hears God's voice and learns to respond with obedience: “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” God was preparing Samuel for his calling. We too must cultivate a heart that is willing to listen and obey. ✝️ Revelation 1 John receives a powerful revelation of Jesus Christ. Christ is revealed as the risen and glorified Lord who holds authority over His Church. The chapter reminds us that Jesus is with His people and remains Lord over everything. 🌿 Isaiah 38 Hezekiah becomes seriously ill and turns to God in prayer. God hears him and gives him additional years of life. His story reminds us that we can bring our deepest concerns honestly before God. ✨ KEY VERSE “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, give us hearts that are ready to hear and obey Your voice. Help us recognize Your leading and remain faithful to Your calling. Strengthen our faith as we study Revelation and remind us that Jesus Christ is Lord over all. Teach us, like Hezekiah, to bring every situation before You in prayer. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Create quiet time to listen to God today. Read His Word attentively, pray sincerely, and be willing to obey whatever He places on your heart. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏

“Don’t let yesterday’s burden become today’s barrier to tomorrow’s miracle.” Hebrews 12:1 — “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us…” This verse tells us not only to lay aside sin, but also to lay aside “every weight.” Because burdens can become a definite hindrance to reaching the purpose and destiny God has set before us. If we continue carrying the wounds, disappointments, rejection, failures, guilt, bitterness, worries, and the inability to forgive others from our past, we cannot run with complete faith on the new path God has placed before us. God brought Lot and his family out of destruction. As they left Sodom, God clearly commanded them not to look back. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26) Her feet were moving forward, but her heart was being pulled backward. This is also a warning for us. God may have brought you out of an old situation. But if you continue carrying old wounds and memories, your body may move forward while your heart remains stuck in the past. Run away from sin. Lay your burdens before God. Stop constantly dwelling on the past, and run toward the future God has prepared for you. Your past does not have to become the verdict of your future. God still has a path for you; there is still a race to run, a goal to reach, and a miracle ahead of you. Don’t carry yesterday’s burden while running toward tomorrow’s miracle. Lay it at the feet of God and run! When the burden becomes lighter, the race becomes faster. When the heart is set free, faith becomes stronger. The moment you surrender your burden to God can become the beginning of your new race! Hepsi Sam ✍️

IS FORNICATION A SIN? Fornication isn't designed to destroy people. The desire for sexual intimacy is a real part of human nature, created by God and designed for a purpose. ❤️ Sexual attraction is natural. 💕 Sexual desire is natural. 🔥 The longing to be loved, wanted, touched, and intimately connected with another person is not, by itself, a strange or evil thing. 🫂❤️ When a young man and a young woman fall in love, their attraction toward each other can feel powerful. ❤️‍🔥 They may genuinely care about each other. 💕 They may intend to marry someday. 💍 They may tell themselves that because they love each other, sleeping together is simply an expression of that love. ❤️🛏️ Sometimes they may even convince themselves that nothing is wrong because they are not hurting anyone, they are faithful to each other, and they have already promised themselves that they belong together. 🤝❤️💭 👀 You see how you now feel sympathy, understanding, and even justification for the two lovers? 😮 You see how fornication now begins to look less like sin and more like love? 💔➡️❤️ And the interesting thing is that many of the reasons people give are not completely false. 🤔 The attraction is real. ❤️ The feelings are real. 💕 The love may even be real. ❤️ But something can feel real and still be outside the will of God. ⚠️🙏 🚨 This is where deception becomes dangerous. One of the easiest ways to make sin acceptable is not to deny what God said, but to reframe the situation until disobedience begins to look reasonable. 🎭🧠 🔴 Fornication can be presented as love. ❤️ 🟠 Compromise can be presented as maturity. 🧠 🟡 Lust can be presented as affection. 💋 🟢 Disobedience can be presented as personal freedom. 🕊️ 🔵 Temptation can be presented as something you deserve because you have been waiting for marriage for so long. ⏳ 😮‍💨 My God, reframing is such a powerful tool. It can make sin feel like wisdom. 🧠⚠️ ❓ But the question is not simply whether you love the person. ❤️ 🙏 The question is whether you are honouring God with that love. ❓ The question is not whether the desire is natural. 🛡️ The question is whether you are allowing that desire to rule you outside the boundaries God established for it. God did not create sexual intimacy because He wanted to deprive you of pleasure. ❤️ God created it with purpose, dignity, responsibility, and covenant. 💍🙏 The problem is not that sex exists. The problem is taking something God designed for marriage and using it outside the covenant for which He designed it. ⚠️💔 🧠 You must therefore be careful when your emotions begin to write your theology. ❤️ You can love someone and still need to say no. ✋ 🔥 You can be deeply attracted to someone and still walk away from the bed. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ 💍 You can intend to marry someone and still refuse to sleep with them before marriage. 😔 You can be lonely without becoming sexually immoral. 🛡️ 🔥 You can be tempted without becoming a fornicator. 💪 You can have sexual desires without allowing those desires to become your master. 👑 ⚖️ The fact that you have a reason does not automatically make your decision right. Everyone has a story that explains why they did what they did. 📖 But as a Christian, your standard cannot be your feelings, your circumstances, your friends, your relationship, or the way society defines normal. 🌍❌ 📖🔥 Your standard is the Word of God. 🚫 Do not allow someone to manipulate you with the language of love when what they are asking you to do is disobedience. 🚫❤️ Do not let anyone tell you that if you truly love them, you must prove it sexually. ❤️ Real love does not demand that you sin to prove your commitment. ⏳❤️ Real love can wait. 🛡️❤️ Real love can respect boundaries. 🙏❤️ Real love can honour God. 💍🔥 Real love can say, We will not destroy our future because of what we feel today. 🛡️ Always be on your guard. Fornication does not always arrive looking dirty and dangerous. 🚨 Sometimes it arrives looking like romance. 🌹❤️ Sometimes it arrives through loneliness. 😔 Sometimes through emotional attachment. 🫂 Sometimes through a person you genuinely love. ❤️ That is why you need more than feelings. 🔥 You need conviction. 🛡️ You need boundaries. 💪 You need self control. 🙏 And above all, you need the fear of God. ⚖️ Do not allow your emotions to become the lawyer defending what your conscience already knows is wrong. 🙌 Choose obedience, even when disobedience feels easier. 🔥 Choose holiness, even when temptation feels powerful. 👑 Choose God's purpose over temporary pleasure. 🎯🔥 BE INTENTIONAL. ©️ Anthony Ijere (Author & Revivalist) Get books/novels 📚 https://t.me/anthonyijere https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0

~. . . And the evening and the morning were the 237th day. Good Morning, God's Beloved. On this 238th day of 2026, might I suggest to you that when you pray, do so with the heart of a child . . .==> "So anyone who becomes as humble as a little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." [Matthew 18:4] [And as you RESPECT and LOVE one another as hard as you can, Please PLAY NICE, PRAY for one another, Distance-CHECK on your neighbors, and Keep a SMILE on your Faith.] (For more videos like this, subscribe to my YouTube channel, MelzMark Video Productions, at www.youtube.com/[VStMelz]) https://youtube.com/watch?v=EEKgNJuaQ34&is=FHFrhOqT_m3jntg9