SERMON SEGMENT: "Shed Clear Light of Christ About Football & Its Fans" Key Texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2 --- INTRO Church, the Lord is speaking to us in this last age. Hebrews 1:2 We must be careful what we pattern our lives after. Because our sanctification is delicate. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” Tonight let’s talk about football and its fans — not to condemn people, but to shed the clear light of Christ on it. Ephesians 5:13 — “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.” 1. THE WARNING: DON'T BE PATTERNED BY THE WORLD Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Football itself is just a game. But the spirit around football and its fan culture often carries: Pride - Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction” Injustice - cheating, bribes, violence, curses on other teams Flesh desires - gambling, drunkenness, lust, idolatry of players, spending hours that should be for God 1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father.” Warning to Christians and non-Christians: If our mind, thoughts, and actions are shaped more by football rivalry than by the Spirit, we are being conformed, not transformed. And “no one should think eternal life inheritance in an unclean life.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “neither the sexually immoral... nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21 — “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Our sanctification needs the shield of the Spirit and guidance, or it gets corrupted and compromised. Ephesians 6:16 2. THE BALANCE: DISCIPLINE FROM THE BIBLE, NOT FROM THE WORLD Some will say: “But Paul used sports!” Yes. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” Paul is not telling us to go play football. He’s using the discipline of athletes to teach us spiritual discipline: Focus. Training. Self-control. Running to win an imperishable crown. Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.” The world trains the body for 90 minutes. We must train the spirit for eternity. Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” If you play football, play unto the Lord. With integrity. Without pride. Without cursing. Without idolatry. If you are a fan, fan unto the Lord. With a renewed mind. 3. THE TEST: DOES IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR SALVATION? We are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” — Philippians 2:12 Not earn it. But keep it clean, not corrupted. Ask yourself 3 questions before the game and after the game: Does this make Jesus increase in me, or decrease? John 3:30 Does this renew my mind, or fill it with pride, hate, and flesh? Romans 12:2 Can I do this and still be pure and blameless before God? 1 Peter 1:15-16 If football causes you to miss prayer, to gossip, to gamble, to hate, to be drunk — then it has become an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 — “Flee from idolatry.” 4. APPLICATION: HOW TO ENGAGE WITH A RENEWED MIND Awaken - See the spirit behind the culture. Don’t be blind. Proverbs 29:18 Renew - Let the Spirit transform your thoughts about competition, winning, and identity. Romans 12:2 Obey - If the Spirit says “turn it off, come pray,” obey. John 14:23 Purify - Guard your eyes, your mouth, your time. Psalm 119:9 CLOSING WORD Brothers and sisters, football is not the enemy. The flesh is.

SERMON SEGMENT: "Shed Clear Light of Christ About Football & Its Fans" Key Texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2 --- INTRO Church, the Lord is speaking to us in this last age. Hebrews 1:2 We must be careful what we pattern our lives after. Because our sanctification is delicate. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” Tonight let’s talk about football and its fans — not to condemn people, but to shed the clear light of Christ on it. Ephesians 5:13 — “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.” 1. THE WARNING: DON'T BE PATTERNED BY THE WORLD Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Football itself is just a game. But the spirit around football and its fan culture often carries: Pride - Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction” Injustice - cheating, bribes, violence, curses on other teams Flesh desires - gambling, drunkenness, lust, idolatry of players, spending hours that should be for God 1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father.” Warning to Christians and non-Christians: If our mind, thoughts, and actions are shaped more by football rivalry than by the Spirit, we are being conformed, not transformed. And “no one should think eternal life inheritance in an unclean life.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “neither the sexually immoral... nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21 — “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Our sanctification needs the shield of the Spirit and guidance, or it gets corrupted and compromised. Ephesians 6:16 2. THE BALANCE: DISCIPLINE FROM THE BIBLE, NOT FROM THE WORLD Some will say: “But Paul used sports!” Yes. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” Paul is not telling us to go play football. He’s using the discipline of athletes to teach us spiritual discipline: Focus. Training. Self-control. Running to win an imperishable crown. Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.” The world trains the body for 90 minutes. We must train the spirit for eternity. Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” If you play football, play unto the Lord. With integrity. Without pride. Without cursing. Without idolatry. If you are a fan, fan unto the Lord. With a renewed mind. 3. THE TEST: DOES IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR SALVATION? We are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” — Philippians 2:12 Not earn it. But keep it clean, not corrupted. Ask yourself 3 questions before the game and after the game: Does this make Jesus increase in me, or decrease? John 3:30 Does this renew my mind, or fill it with pride, hate, and flesh? Romans 12:2 Can I do this and still be pure and blameless before God? 1 Peter 1:15-16 If football causes you to miss prayer, to gossip, to gamble, to hate, to be drunk — then it has become an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 — “Flee from idolatry.” 4. APPLICATION: HOW TO ENGAGE WITH A RENEWED MIND Awaken - See the spirit behind the culture. Don’t be blind. Proverbs 29:18 Renew - Let the Spirit transform your thoughts about competition, winning, and identity. Romans 12:2 Obey - If the Spirit says “turn it off, come pray,” obey. John 14:23 Purify - Guard your eyes, your mouth, your time. Psalm 119:9 CLOSING WORD Brothers and sisters, football is not the enemy. The flesh is.

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 231 DATE: 19TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: UNITY COMMANDS THE BLESSING ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: Psalm 133:1–3 (NKJV) 1 - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!2 - It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body].3 - It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing-- Life forevermore. Devotional message: Yesterday, we saw that embracing our uniqueness brings order, order produces peace, and peace creates an environment for unity. Today, we see another powerful truth: unity creates an atmosphere where God commands His blessing. The Psalmist declares how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. He then reveals something significant: “For there the LORD commanded the blessing.” Notice that the blessing was commanded where brethren were dwelling together in unity. God delights when His people walk together in love, honour one another, acknowledge one another's contribution, and function according to the grace He has given each person. Unity does not mean that everyone has the same gift, personality, assignment, or function. Rather, it means that our differences do not divide us because we recognize that we belong to one body and serve one Lord. When the Church embraces this principle, competition gives way to cooperation, jealousy gives way to honour, confusion gives way to order, and division gives way to unity. And where God commands His blessing, His presence becomes evident among His people. The blessing of God is not limited to spiritual manifestations alone. God's desire is that His people experience His goodness in every dimension of life according to His will—spiritually, materially, relationally, and in the work He has entrusted to them. The blessing is ultimately connected to God's presence. Psalm 133 presents the blessing as flowing from the place where God is pleased to dwell among His people. Where there is genuine unity, love, and harmony, there is an atmosphere that honours God. This is why the enemy continually seeks to introduce division into the Church. He understands that a divided house loses strength, but a united people become a powerful testimony of the Gospel. Jesus Himself prayed:John.17.21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (NKJV) Therefore, child of God, do not allow differences in gifts, positions, backgrounds, or responsibilities to become reasons for division. Honour the grace upon another person's life. Take your rightful place. Serve faithfully. Celebrate the success of others. Walk in love. When every member functions according to the grace God has given them and everyone honours the contribution of others, the Church becomes orderly, peaceful, and united—and God is glorified in the midst of His people. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of belonging to the body of Christ.Let there be order, peace, love, and unity among Your people. May Your presence dwell richly among us and may You command Your blessing upon Your Church for the glory of Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily bible reading:John 17:21, Genesis 11:6 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 230 DATE: 18TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: EMBRACING UNIQUENESS BRINGS ORDER ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 14:26, 33 (NLT) Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.33-“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” Devotional message Yesterday, we saw the importance of embracing the uniqueness God has placed in each of us. Today, we discover that when we embrace our uniqueness and honour the contribution of others, we create room for divine order in the house of God. The Apostle Paul gives us a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ should function. One may lead in praise and worship, while others support with sincerity and purity of heart. Another may teach while others listen, learn, and take notes. Another may bring a prophetic revelation, while others listen carefully and examine it according to the Word of God. Others may serve through playing instruments, administration, hospitality, prayer, or other gifts. None of these functions should compete with another because every gift has a place in God's purpose. Competition creates confusion because people begin trying to occupy positions God never assigned to them. However, when we recognize that our different gifts complement one another, we begin to experience the beauty of God's design. The worshipper should not compete with the preacher. The preacher should not compete with the instrumentalist. The prophet should not compete with the teacher. The person serving behind the scenes should not feel inferior to the person standing before the congregation. Every genuine contribution matters when it is offered to God. Paul says, “But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” This means our gifts are not primarily given for personal recognition; they are given for the edification of the body of Christ. When we honour one another's uniqueness, peace replaces competition, order replaces confusion, and cooperation replaces division. This creates an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can work freely and the Church can fulfil her assignment effectively. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. Therefore, wherever there is constant competition, jealousy, disorder, and the desire to outshine others, we must examine our hearts and return to God's pattern. Child of God, you do not have to become another person to become valuable. Be faithful with what God has entrusted to you. Honour the grace upon others while developing the grace upon your own life. The body of Christ becomes stronger when every member functions according to the grace God has given them. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the unique grace, gifts, talents, and abilities You have placed within each of us.Teach us to honour the gifts of others and faithfully steward what You have entrusted to us. Let Your order, peace, unity, and holiness prevail in Your Church, and may everything we do strengthen the body of Christ and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Bible Reading: Phil 4:7,Col 3:15,Heb 10:24_25 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 229 DATE: 17TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: EMBRACE YOUR UNIQUENESS ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 12:6 NKJV Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; Devotional message: We are living in a generation where many people are driven by competition. They are constantly comparing themselves with others and attempting to become who God never created them to be. In the process, they overlook the unique grace, gifts, talents, abilities, and skills that God has deposited within them. God does not create duplicates. Every person carries a unique expression of His grace and a particular contribution to His purposes on the earth. Your assignment may not look like another person's assignment, and your grace may not operate in the same way as theirs. This does not make you inferior; it makes your contribution unique. The Apostle Paul teaches that we have “gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.” He further explains that if our gift is serving, let us serve; if it is teaching, let us teach; if it is exhortation, let us exhort; and if it is giving, let us give generously (Romans 12:6–8). The tragedy is that some people have buried their God-given gifts because they spent too much time looking at what others were doing. Instead of developing their own grace, they became occupied with comparison and competition. Child of God, you were not created to compete with another person; you were created to fulfil your God-given assignment. Consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. Each servant received according to his ability, yet each was expected to give an account of what had been entrusted to him. The issue was not whether one received five talents while another received two. The issue was what each person did with what God had entrusted to him. You too will give an account before God—not for becoming someone else, but for faithfully stewarding what He placed in you. Perhaps God has given you the ability to encourage people, but you have buried it because you are comparing yourself with preachers. Perhaps He has given you creativity, leadership, wisdom, business ability, generosity, teaching, administration, music, craftsmanship, compassion, or the ability to solve problems, yet you have never fully developed it because you are trying to imitate someone else. Remember: the Body of Christ needs your contribution.The hand should not attempt to become the eye, neither should the eye despise the hand. Every part has a function, and when every part operates according to its design, the whole body becomes stronger. Your generation may be carrying a problem that your God-given gift was designed to solve. Do not bury what God has entrusted to you.You may not have everything another person has, but you have something that God deliberately placed within you. Stop despising small beginnings. Start with what is in your hands, develop it, submit it to God, and use it for His glory. Today, ask yourself:What has God placed within me that I have buried, neglected, or left dormant because I have been comparing myself with others?Bring it before the Lord again.Your uniqueness is not a weakness. It is part of God's strategy for fulfilling His purpose through you. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the unique grace, gifts, talents, abilities, and assignment You have placed within me.Help me to fulfil my assignment and become a blessing to my generation. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Bible Reading Rom 12:3–8,Matt 25:14–30,1 Cori 12:12–27,Eph 2:10,1 Peter 4:10–11 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2O26. "RESPONDING TO FAILURE" ‘A righteous person may fall…but he gets up again...’ Proverbs 24:16 GWT YOU CAN tell a lot about somebody by how they respond to life. Everybody gets knocked down, but how fast you get up again is what counts. Verla Gillmor says: ‘Failure teaches us things we can’t learn any other way…Treat it as a visitor allowed to deliver unpleasant news, but don’t let it take up residence. Remember, all failures aren’t equal. For example, when a beautiful, talented young woman is the first-runner-up in a beauty contest, some say she failed. Yet some people would give their right arm to be named the second most attractive female in a competition. It’s a matter of perspective… [examine] your failures and weigh them according to their importance in the overall scheme of things…I once received a ‘D’ at college…it’s ridiculous, but that sticks in my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Why do I fixate on that and not the fact that it happened during the term I carried nineteen credit hours, worked part-time, got engaged, and spent six weeks in the college health centre with mononucleosis? When I put the experience in context, it loses its power to undermine my confidence. Failure teaches us what’s important. I have a friend who was made redundant…It caught her by surprise because she was good at her work. “I tended to be full of pride,” she says. “I got away with it because I was so successful. Losing my job…humbled me. With pride you have no permission to fail. It’s a heavy yoke…and I don’t wear it any more. I feel lighter in my spirit without the burden of having to be perfect.’’’ Bible In A Year: Judg 9:34 – 11:40, Matt 17:1-13, Ps 119:73-80, Pro 20:25, Ecc 5:4-6. 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.ii. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026. *A MORE DESCRIPTION OF HEAVEN* *TEXT:* REVELATION 21:1-8. 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. *Timeless Truth:*_"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"_ (Hebrews 11:10). *INTRODUCTION* When Garden Eden was created, it was the most beautiful place Adam could ever conceive of, with all the beautiful birds, animals, plants and cool weather. However, nobody needed to tell Adam that there must be a better place because the God that used to commune with him in *"the cool of the day"* was not living in Eden. He must be dwelling in a better place. This faith was carried on from generations to generations until the time of Abraham, who in spite of all the wealth promised him, his affection was focused on the better city. *"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"*. Nobody was given a better revelation of heaven than Apostle John. Enoch and Elijah were said to be translated to heaven. How heaven looked like was left to human imaginations. Jesus Christ also mentioned heaven as the abode of the Triune God. He only told us it has many mansions. At the mount of transfiguration was revealed the glory of heaven and how the inhabitants will look like. Nothing more was revealed. Stephen saw heaven at the point of death but just faintly (Acts 7:55-56). Paul the apostle was taken to heaven which he called the third heaven, but he said he was not permitted to reveal what he saw to any except that he exposed that it has many foundations (Acts 11:10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4). The text shows us the climax of God's revelation about heaven. Yet the Bible writers were short of words to describe heaven except that it is the place where God dwells from eternity, with all His created angels and saints. *"How beautiful heaven must be"*. *1. Prepared Heaven* a. Those who doubt the testimony of Apostle John must be ready to doubt his gospel and epistles that have transformed lives and brought supernatural comforts and revelation of Jesus Christ to mankind for centuries. *"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth"*. He was not told or heard from a third party. He saw it himself. It was not a remodelled new heaven and earth, but a totally new heaven and a new earth. *"And there was no more sea"*. There are three types of heaven mentioned in the Bible. There is the atmospheric heaven where the rain comes from (Deuteronomy 11:11). There is the second heaven called heavenlies where we have the galaxies including the primary domain of demonic forces and angelic conflicts (Ephesians 6:12). Then we have the third heaven or paradise where God dwells (2 Corinthians 12:2). *"For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away"*. The first two heavens were passed away except the third heaven. 2 Peter 3:12, 13 reveals how this will happen. *"….. wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. "*. The earth and the heavens will be destroyed through fervent heat. Jesus Himself confirmed that heaven and earth with all their structures, beauties, learnings and philosophies shall all pass away except the Word of God (Matthew 5:18, 24:35). In fact, all the human bodies will give way to eternal and indestructible bodies. Thus, what Apostle John saw was the giving away of all things that are visible and temporary for things that are eternal. b. *"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven"*. The earthly Jerusalem was referred to as the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2, Matthew 5:35). This is referring to the Millennium holy Jerusalem from where Jesus will rule the whole world physically. John the apostle said that Jerusalem ceased to exist, but gave way to a completely New Jerusalem. This New Jerusalem was seen coming *"out of heaven"*. Obviously, it is seen coming from the third heaven which is the eternal throne of God. He used the imagery of the beauty of a bride coming to meet the husband to describe the beauty of heaven. This is the best description human language can give. *Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband"*. He then heard the voice of God announcing the plan of God right from eternity. What was that plan? That God will physically, live among men as King over loving subjects; as Father over His children in a happy family set up and as God over His redeemed and people. *"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God"*. This is the beginning of heaven, happy and holy eternity. *Question* Are you getting prepared for heaven in the practical sense of it? If Not, then you don't actually, believe in heaven. *2. Pacification with Happiness* a. The Apostle further gave a glimpse of how we will feel in heaven. *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes"*. Tears of sorrow, anguish, lost loved ones, physical and psychological pains, etc.will all be forgotten. This is difficult to imagine for man. It is like imagining how God promised that *"your sins and iniquities will I remember no more"*. We don't have a problem with God forgiving our sins, but God forgetting our sins will be difficult to imagine. We will all forget the painful past as we will be overwhelmed with the glory of God for eternity. *"There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away"*. The pains and the tears, called *"light afflictions"* will be for a moment. They will not survive the joy of eternity. b. For those who have difficulty with believing, *"he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful"*. Heaven is prepared already. When Jesus Christ was about going to heaven, He assured the disciples of going to build mansions for them. About 60 years later, when John saw the revelation, he was told by the Lord that it was done. It means it is a settled and concluded matter. *"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end"*. In heaven there will not be any heat or tension, but total refreshments and happiness. *"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely"*. Everything God has will be totally ours. All the gifts of God, physical or spiritual, will belong to us as possessions. Nothing needed or useful will be denied. We suffer different lacks while on earth. Heaven will be the opposite. *"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son"*. Are you an overcomer over sin, Satan and all his temptations? *Question* What are the things you are suffering on earth? Do you see them as temporary? *3. Punishment of Hell* What are the things that will disqualify any from entering heaven? What would be the abode of those who will miss heaven? The answer is fearful. *"But the fearful, and unbelieving"*. Every evil action stems from fear and unbelief. Unbelief of what God has spoken and the consequences of disobedience, fear of man and what man can do are terrible paralysing feelings that draw men to perdition. *"And the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars"*. Notice that all those sins are now also found inside the Church among professing saints. So there will be eternal surprises when those who profess that heaven is their home find themselves in a totally different place called hell. They *"shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone*. *Question* Are you transparently free from all sins? *Prayer Points* 1.Give praises to God that you are in that number saved by grace 🙏. 2.Ask God to search your life, expose, purge and cleanse you from all disqualifying habits 🙏. 3.Pray that the vision of heaven will get brighter and brighter to you and your mind and affections will be focused on heavenly things 🙏. 4.Pray that all believers will be delivered from all forms of self deception and will take entering heaven more seriously 🙏. *HYMN:* How Beautiful Heaven Must Be. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 16-18. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *SHORT SHELF-LIFE OF PAIN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:REVELATION 21:1-8```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (REVELATION 21:4).*_ *John Harper, a Scottish Baptist pastor and evangelist, died on the _RMS Titanic_ in 1912. His last words, as testified by survivors, were "I have seen heaven, and it is beautiful" and "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." Despite his death, Harper used his final moments to preach the gospel, expressing his deep assurance that beyond death lay a place of eternal peace. A rescued survivor testified that Harper, clinging to the wreckage, asked if he was saved and urged him to believe in Jesus Christ. The survivor later accepted Christ and called himself "the last convert of John Harper."* *Today's passage paints a breath-taking vision of the new heaven and new earth. John sees the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending from God, adorned like a bride. A powerful voice declares that God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be gone forever. The former things will pass away, and everything will be made new. God, the Alpha and Omega, promises the water of life to those who thirst. But He also warns that those who reject Him (those living in sin, fear, unbelief) will face eternal separation in the lake of fire.* *In this world, we experience suffering in many forms such as loss, illness, disappointment, pain and injustice. But for those who belong to Christ, these trials are temporary. Christ assures us that a glorious future awaits us, one where God Himself will comfort us, and all suffering will cease. This hope should encourage believers to endure hardships with faith, knowing that one day, we will step into a place where joy is endless and pain is no more. It also calls us to live righteously, rejecting sin and embracing the promise of eternity with God.* *No matter what trials you face today, hold unto the hope of heaven. Let this promise strengthen your faith, drive you to share the gospel, and encourage you to live in readiness for Christ's return. A day is coming when all suffering will cease and there will be no more tears, pain or death. Get ready to be part of this eternally glorious moment.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Nobody gets to heaven by accident.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 16-18*📜📜 Short Shelf-Life Of Pain https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; GHS 58: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY; GHS 147: SWEET BY AND BY; AND GHS 175: HE IS COMING AGAIN* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JESUS SETS FREE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⛓️✝️🩸🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽⛓️‍💥🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOHN 8:28-36```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (JOHN 8:36).*_ *A song writer wrote:* _*"There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the blood of the Lamb;*_ _*There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the precious blood of the Lamb."*_ *The words of this song reminds us of the power that is resident in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the anointed One, the Messiah. Those who accept His lordship can experience His free gift of salvation.* *Note that though Christ has the power to save. He does not force His salvation on anyone because human beings are free moral agents and are made to be accountable for their choices.* *A lot of youths need freedom from bondage to sin and the devil. They need to acknowledge their sins and accept Christ as the only Saviour that can set free. Some are under slavery to fornication, masturbation, cultism, internet fraud, and so on.* *Friend, are you one of those lost in sin and in bondage to the devil? Get rid of your dirty deeds and believe that Jesus can set free, and He will set you free.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Jesus is the anointed One.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Jesus can set you free indeed.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, have mercy on me and set me free.*_ Jesus Sets Free https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD IS IN CHARGE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🗣️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 35:1-9```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Nancy was sent to a supermarket to get some food items for the family. Unknown to her, the shop was under attack by armed robbers. She went in, and she was kidnapped! While being abducted, she remembered the Bible verses that her grandma had taught her. She rehearsed it aloud to the confusion of her abductors, and attracted helpers nearby. God heard her confession of faith and saved her. She was rescued. In times like these, when the society seems insecure; neither rich nor poor are free from the troubles in the world - kidnapping, cyber bullying, famine, climate change, diseases, natural disasters, and instability. *Children of God need not fear. God is in charge of all situations. The word of God is not just a shield for all those who believe, it is a formidable weapon that no force can withstand. Read, believe, confess and have faith in God's Word as you move through the days and months of the year.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, let your word dwell in me richly, and teach me to know that you are in charge of my life.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Ephesians 6:11-18* God Is In Charge https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ⏤ Galatians 5:13 Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. ⏤ G.K. Chesterton O God, who has redeemed us by the precious blood of the Lamb, help us to live for Your praise and glory in all that we do. Since Jesus Christ has died for us and we are not our own, we want to live lives worthy of Your holiness. We confess and renounce all our sins. Teach us to hate sin and give us the grace to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, to the glory of Your holy name. We ask You to reveal Yourself to us this morning as we go forth and to give us the assurance of Your presence. You have promised that as our days are, so shall our strength be, and that Your grace will always be sufficient for us. We cling to these promises as we enter a new day whose experiences we cannot predict. We do not know what dangers we will encounter, what burdens will be placed on us, what temptations will whisper in our ears, what pitfalls will lie in our path, or what insidious influences will threaten the purity of our souls. So we hide ourselves in You and trust You to keep us safe all day. We desire to be useful and helpful to others. Save us from selfishness and self-centeredness. Teach us the great lesson of service. May we have the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. May we serve one another in love. May we live to help others and do good. Help us to see the needs we can meet, to perceive the ways we can serve, and then give us the true spirit of ministry so that we may do the things that will bless others. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may be like You. We ask all this in the name of our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/39/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

HiTODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS. WHAT ARE FOUL SPIRITS? Understanding Their Nature, Influence, and the Believer’s Victory. Main Text: Mark 1:23–27 Supporting Texts: Matthew 12:43–45; Luke 8:26–39; Ephesians 6:10–18; James 4:7 There are battles that the human eye cannot see. A person can look healthy on the outside and yet be fighting a spiritual battle within. A home can look beautiful while confusion fills it. A person can have education, money, connections, and opportunities, yet experience strange patterns that seem difficult to explain. The Bible teaches us that the spiritual realm is real. But we must be careful: not every problem is caused by a demon, and not every unusual experience should be labeled as spiritual warfare. Christians must combine spiritual discernment with wisdom, prayer, sound doctrine, and appropriate practical help. So, what exactly are foul spirits? A foul spirit is an unclean or evil spirit—a spiritual being opposed to God and associated with evil, deception, bondage, oppression, and defilement. But here is the good news: The believer does not need to live in fear of foul spirits. Jesus Christ has authority over them. 1. WHAT ARE FOUL SPIRITS? The expression “foul spirit” is used in some Bible translations to describe what is also called an “unclean spirit.” Mark 1:23–24 > “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit…” The spirit recognized Jesus and said, in effect, “I know who You are.” This teaches us something important: A. Foul spirits are spiritual beings They are not human beings, psychological conditions, or imaginary personalities. Scripture presents them as part of the spiritual opposition against God's purposes. B. They are called “unclean” The word speaks of something morally and spiritually polluted. Their purpose is contrary to the holiness of God. C. They oppose God's work Where God brings truth, they promote deception. Where God desires freedom, they seek bondage. Where God desires holiness, they encourage defilement. Where God desires peace, they seek confusion and destruction. But their activity does not mean they possess unlimited power. God remains sovereign. 2. FOUL SPIRITS SEEK TO DECEIVE, OPPRESS AND DESTROY Jesus warned about the activity of evil spirits. John 10:10 > “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” The devil's purpose is destructive. However, notice the second half: > “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus is greater than the enemy! Foul spirits may seek to influence: Thoughts Attitudes Temptations Destructive behavior Fear Deception Hatred Occult practices Spiritual bondage Opposition to God's truth But we must maintain biblical balance. Temptation is not automatically demonic possession. Mental or emotional distress is not automatically demonic activity. A difficult season is not automatically an attack from an evil spirit. Sometimes a person needs prayer. Sometimes a person needs repentance. Sometimes a person needs wise counsel. And sometimes a person needs medical or mental-health support. Spiritual maturity knows the difference. 3. JESUS CHRIST HAS AUTHORITY OVER FOUL SPIRITS This is where the message becomes powerful. Mark 1:27 > “For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.” Notice the phrase: “They do obey Him.” Jesus did not negotiate with the spirit. He did not panic. He did not run away. He exercised divine authority. Luke 10:19 Jesus told His disciples: > “Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy.” The authority belongs to Christ. Therefore, Christian spiritual warfare is not about shouting the loudest. It is not about dramatic performances. It is not about trying to impress people. It is about standing in Christ, submitting to God, knowing His Word, and resisting the enemy. James 4:7 > “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Notice the order: Submit → Resist → Victory. You cannot successfully resist the devil while deliberately refusing to submit to God. 4. HOW DO WE GUARD OUR LIVES AGAINST SPIRITUAL DARKNESS? Ephesians 6:11 > “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Paul does not tell Christians to become obsessed with demons. He tells them to put on the armour of God. The armour includes: Truth — Don't build your life on lies. Righteousness — Guard your heart and conduct. The Gospel of peace — Walk in peace with God. Faith — Trust God when circumstances are frightening. Salvation — Remember who you belong to. The Word of God — Know and speak God's truth. Prayer — Maintain communion with God. The answer to spiritual darkness is not fear. The answer is deeper relationship with Christ. 5. DO NOT OPEN DOORS TO DARKNESS The Bible repeatedly warns God's people against involvement with occult practices and spiritual darkness. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 Scripture warns against practices such as divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and consulting spiritual mediums. Why? Because God wants His people to seek Him, not supernatural power from forbidden sources. Some people want spiritual power without spiritual submission. They want protection without holiness. They want miracles without Christ. They want supernatural experiences without discernment. That is dangerous. Ephesians 5:11 > “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” If something belongs to darkness, don't entertain it simply because it appears powerful. Not everything supernatural is from God. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE MAN OF GADARA Mark 5:1–20 Jesus encountered a man who was severely oppressed by unclean spirits. His life had become completely broken. He lived among the tombs. He was isolated. He harmed himself. He could not be controlled by ordinary human means. But when Jesus arrived, everything changed. Jesus confronted the spiritual bondage, and the man was eventually found: > “sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.” Mark 5:15 Look at the transformation: Before Jesus: Broken. After Jesus: Restored. Before Jesus: Isolated. After Jesus: Reconnected. Before Jesus: Tormented. After Jesus: In his right mind. This is the power of Christ. And Jesus gave the man a mission: > “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee.” Jesus doesn't only deliver people from bondage; He gives them a testimony and a purpose. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. Don't become more conscious of demons than you are conscious of Jesus. Some Christians can talk about demons for hours but barely talk about Christ. That is unhealthy. Jesus must remain the center. 2. Spiritual warfare begins with spiritual alignment. Before fighting external battles, examine your relationship with God. Is there deliberate disobedience? Unforgiveness? Secret sin? Occult involvement? Compromise? Repentance is not weakness. Repentance closes doors that compromise opens. 3. The devil is real, but he is not equal to God. Christianity does not teach two equal powers fighting for supremacy. God is Creator. Satan is a created being. Therefore, never place Satan on God's level. There is no divine competition. 4. Deliverance should lead to discipleship. A person may experience deliverance and still need spiritual growth. Jesus did not call us merely to be delivered. He called us to follow Him. 5. Freedom must be maintained through Christ-centered living. Matthew 12:43–45 gives a serious warning about an “empty” house. The lesson is powerful: Don't merely remove darkness; fill your life with Christ. Fill your mind with God's Word. Fill your heart with prayer. Fill your life with fellowship. Fill your days with obedience. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Give your life completely to Jesus Christ. 2. Renounce occult and spiritually compromising practices. 3. Study Scripture consistently. 4. Develop a strong prayer life. 5. Guard what you watch, listen to, and celebrate. 6. Refuse to live in fear. 7. Seek mature Christian counsel when facing serious spiritual concerns. 8. Don't automatically interpret every physical or psychological problem as demonic. Seek appropriate professional help when necessary while continuing in prayer. 9. Stay connected to a healthy, Bible-believing Christian community. 10. Make Jesus the center of your spiritual life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I more fascinated by spiritual manifestations than by Jesus Christ? 2. Is there anything in my life that compromises my walk with God? 3. Am I feeding my spirit with God's Word? 4. Do I respond to spiritual challenges with faith or fear? 5. Have I opened myself to practices Scripture forbids? 6. Is my home and personal life centered on Christ? 7. Do I understand my authority in Christ without becoming spiritually arrogant? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, in the name of Jesus, deliver me from every influence of darkness and establish me firmly in Your truth. 2. Lord Jesus, let every area of my life that has been under spiritual oppression experience Your freedom and peace. 3. Every influence contrary to the will of God operating against my spiritual growth, be broken in Jesus' name. 4. Father, give me spiritual discernment to distinguish between truth and deception, in Jesus' name. 5. Lord, close every door that I have opened through disobedience, ignorance, compromise, or ungodly practices. 6. I renounce every practice that dishonors Christ, and I surrender myself completely to Jesus. 7. Father, fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit, Your Word, Your peace, and Your righteousness. 8. I refuse to live in fear. I choose faith in Jesus Christ and confidence in the power of God's Word. 9. Lord, protect my family and establish our home in Your presence and truth. 10. Father, make my life a testimony of the victory, freedom, and transforming power of Jesus Christ. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, foul spirits are real, but Jesus is greater. Don't spend your life looking for demons behind every problem. Don't become obsessed with darkness. Don't live in fear. And don't play with spiritual things that God has forbidden. Instead, know Jesus. Know His Word. Walk in holiness. Pray. Exercise discernment. Stand in faith. And when the enemy attacks, remember who you belong to. You belong to Jesus Christ. The darkness may be real, but the Light is greater. The enemy may oppose you, but Christ has overcome. The battle may be intense, but your victory is found in Jesus. > “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4 So arise in faith. Stand in Christ. Guard your heart. Reject darkness. Walk in holiness. And let your life become a testimony that Jesus Christ still saves, delivers, restores, and sets captives free. JESUS IS LORD! If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. 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://www.facebook.com/share/19WFeQkFUN/ Please get the full message from my book "RECOGNIZING AND FIGHTING FOUL SPIRITS"

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS SERMON TITLE: THE WAY OF BACKBITERS Text: Proverbs 16:28, Romans 1:29–32, James 3:5–10 The Hidden Sin That Destroys Lives Many believers avoid obvious sins like stealing, adultery, and drunkenness, yet they overlook a dangerous sin that quietly destroys friendships, families, churches, and ministries—backbiting. Backbiting is like a slow poison. It often begins with, "I'm just telling you so you can pray," or "Don't tell anyone I said this..." Before long, trust is broken, reputations are damaged, and unity is destroyed. One careless tongue can tear down what years of love and service have built. The Bible warns us that God does not take this sin lightly. > Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV): "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends." A backbiter separates people whom God intended to walk together. Key Bible Verses Explained 1. Romans 1:29–30 > "...full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters..." Backbiting is listed among serious sins because it reflects a heart that delights in harming others rather than building them up. 2. James 3:5–6 > "Even so the tongue is a little member... it is a fire..." James teaches that the tongue, though small, has the power to destroy lives, families, and churches. 3. Psalm 101:5 > "Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy. God Himself promises judgment against persistent slander and secret gossip. 4. Ephesians 4:29 > "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification." Every word spoken by a believer should strengthen others, not destroy them. Point 1: Backbiting Begins in an Unclean Heart Jesus said: > Matthew 12:34 "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." The mouth only reveals what is already in the heart. Backbiting often grows out of: Jealousy Pride Bitterness Competition Unforgiveness Insecurity A transformed heart produces gracious words. Point 2: Backbiting Destroys Relationships Backbiters divide: Friends Families Marriages Ministries Churches Many strong relationships have ended not because of facts but because someone carried harmful stories from one person to another. The devil delights in division, but Christ prayed for unity. Point 3: Backbiting Grieves the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit produces: Love Peace Kindness Self-control Backbiting produces: Suspicion Hatred Division Confusion When believers continually speak against one another, the atmosphere becomes difficult for spiritual growth and unity. Point 4: God Calls Believers to Speak Words That Build Instead of criticizing behind people's backs, believers should become: Encouragers Peacemakers Truth speakers Forgivers Our words should heal wounded hearts rather than create new wounds. Biblical Case Study: Miriam Speaks Against Moses Text: Numbers 12:1–15 Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of his Cushite wife. Their complaint appeared personal, but it revealed deeper issues in their hearts. God defended Moses and called all three before Him. Miriam was struck with leprosy as a sign of God's displeasure until Moses interceded for her. Lessons: God hears conversations held in secret. Speaking against God's servants and against others has consequences. Mercy is available when there is repentance. Practical Action Steps 1. Think before you speak. 2. Refuse to spread unverified information. 3. Speak directly to people instead of about them. 4. Pray for those you are tempted to criticize. 5. Ask God daily to guard your tongue. 6. If you have hurt someone with your words, seek forgiveness and make peace. Deep Spiritual Insights Backbiting is more than a speech problem—it is a heart problem. Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10). When believers constantly accuse and tear others down, they reflect the work of the accuser rather than the character of Christ. Jesus came to reconcile people to God and to one another. Every believer should therefore use words that promote healing, truth, and unity Questions for Reflection 1. Do my words build people up or tear them down? 2. Have I damaged someone's reputation through careless speech? 3. Am I quick to believe and spread negative reports? 4. Is there anyone I need to ask forgiveness from because of my words? 5. Does my speech reflect the character of Jesus? Powerful Prayer Points 1. Father, cleanse my heart and purify my tongue in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, remove every spirit of gossip, slander, and backbiting from my life. 3. Help me to speak words that bring healing, encouragement, and peace. 4. Restore every relationship that has been damaged by harmful words. 5. Let the Holy Spirit rule my thoughts, my heart, and my speech. 6. Make me an instrument of unity in my family, church, and community. 7. May my life and my words glorify Christ every day. Call to Action The way of the backbiter leads to broken trust, damaged relationships, and spiritual decline. The way of Christ leads to truth, love, reconciliation, and peace. Today, choose to surrender your tongue to God. Let your words become a source of life, hope, and encouragement. As believers, we are called not only to avoid harmful speech but to actively use our words to strengthen others and glorify God. Final Charge: > Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." May God make us believers whose hearts are pure, whose tongues are disciplined, and whose words reflect the love and holiness of Jesus Christ. Amen. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. 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://www.facebook.com/share/1BqbvjjZcE/ #UMOHEDEM

QUAD-PALS: 005 “General Nebuma, you’ll move out with the millennium under your command at exactly 0000 hours for the onset!” “Slay anyone who attempts to fight back and bring those who surrender, especially the youths who are fit to fight in my army. Table the Babela Treaty before their king and bring Pharaoh Necho back to me!” said the chief commander with a sharp tone. “Yes, sir! responded the General. He turned left and continued, “Captain Aguga, two days after, move in with your century and capture all their gods of gold, idols of wood, images of earth, and statues of metal from their palaces and in their various shrines and bring them to me!” "Done, sir!” He shouted. The king looked right in front of him and said in a loud, brusque tone, “General Arioch, divide your troops into ten divisions, assign nine divisions and one division to move behind the millennium and the century, respectively." "They have one task, and that is to kill any of our soldiers who complains or fights sluggishly!” “Always ready, sir!” shouted the general. “General Malick, mobilize the reserves for emergencies," the king said as he prepared to dismiss the officers. “At your command, sir!” he shouted as if he was in competition with the others. “Any question or objection?” asked the king. “Commander, I wish to know why we have to move out at 0000 hours instead of 2200 hours when the gate of the small bridge ahead will still be open." General Nebuma inquired. "Remember! You do not have to know; you have to move! Well, I’ll answer you anyway; my decisions are based on the instructions from the gods, and that’s all!” He answered with a tone of finality. The last statement of King Nebuchadnezzar was true in a sense; truly, most of his battle strategies had been revealed to him in his dreams. For this fact, he never took any of his dreams for granted; in fact, he employed two military sages among his soldiers to help in making meaning of his dreams. In addition to that, he always offered one fat goat to one of his gods before every sleep to gain its favor in the dream realm. His usual suppliance was “Nebu, give me secrets to be victorious over my enemies as I travel to the dream realm.” Unknown to him, the God of heaven, Jehovah, had been behind all these ideas, instructions, and strategies—King Nebuchadnezzar had mistaken the Almighty God for one of his inherited gods, Nebu, whom he considered as the god of revelation. Kaptain Lamblion JC

‎Chapter Three: The Great Self-Deception Bake-Off: How to Frost a Lie and Call It Prophecy ‎ ‎“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” — Jeremiah 17:9 ‎ ‎Now, that is not a verse you’d want embroidered on a throw pillow. The prophet Jeremiah, who was never invited to many parties, drops this bombshell with the casualness of someone announcing the weather. Your heart—that warm, fuzzy center of emotion you've been taught to "follow" like a GPS—is, in fact, a pathological liar with a doctorate in spin. It is not just occasionally mistaken; it is deceitful above all things. Above a used chariot salesman. Above a politician promising lower taxes. Above a toddler with chocolate on his face insisting he did not eat the cake. Your heart is the most brilliant con artist you will ever meet, and it lives inside your chest, rent-free, forging your signature on checks you didn't even know you had. ‎ ‎And yet, we treat this internal fraudster as if it were the Holy Spirit's personal secretary. "The heart wants what it wants," we sigh, as if that's a profundity and not the battle cry of every disastrous decision since Eve looked at a piece of fruit and thought, "That looks like a good idea, and I feel strongly that it's fine." ‎ ‎Let's talk about what's actually happening when you feel something so intensely that it must be true. You are not receiving a divine download. You are attending the Great Self-Deception Bake-Off, a competition where your own mind whips up a three-tiered cake of false reality, frosts it with emotion, and then serves it to you on a silver platter while a tiny voice in your head screams, "Bon appétit! This is definitely from God!" ‎ ‎The recipe is deceptively simple. You take one genuine fact—a real hurt, a legitimate desire, a valid frustration—and you place it on the counter. So far, so good. This is the flour. But then, instead of following a sane recipe, you hand the kitchen over to a crew of sous-chefs named Assumption, Projection, and Catastrophic Thinking. Assumption dumps in an entire bag of "I know what they were thinking." Projection adds a heaping cup of "This is just like that time in 2007." And Catastrophic Thinking, wearing a chef's hat made of old newspapers, throws in a gallon of "This will never get better and I will die alone and my funeral will be sparsely attended." Mix thoroughly. Bake in the oven of rumination at 400 degrees of anxiety. Frost with a thick layer of righteous indignation or self-pity, depending on your preferred flavor profile. And there you have it: a magnificent, towering cake of Illusion à la Mode, garnished with a sprig of "I'm pretty sure God told me." ‎ ‎You sit down, take a bite, and the flavors explode. The anger tastes like power. The self-pity tastes like a warm hug from yourself. The lust tastes like a preview of heaven that is, in fact, a timeshare presentation for hell. And because the flavor is so intense, so vivid, so consuming, you conclude that the cake must be true. "I feel this strongly, therefore it is valid. God gave me taste buds, didn't He? This is confirmation." And you go back for a second slice, and a third, until you're lying on the floor in a sugar coma of self-deception, wondering why your life has turned into a cautionary tale. ‎ ‎The Apostle James, who had clearly witnessed a few bake-offs in his day, described the process with surgical precision: "Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (James 1:14-15). Did you catch that? Desire conceives. It has a baby. And the baby is sin, and when that baby grows up, it becomes death. The whole thing starts with a tiny little desire—a spark, a wisp, a passing thought—and if you midwife it with enough emotional intensity, it eventually births a full-grown monster that eats your life. James is essentially saying, "Your feelings are not a prophet; they are a maternity ward for disaster." And you, my friend, are the one pushing. ‎ ‎But here's where the comedy curdles into something so absurd you have to laugh or you'll cry: we then take that monster baby, dress it in a little suit of Bible verses, and present it to the world as a word from the Lord. "God is leading me to leave this church," we declare, when in fact the pastor's sermon stepped on our toes and we felt convicted, but conviction feels uncomfortable, so we rebranded the discomfort as "discernment." "The Lord is telling me to speak truth into this situation," we announce, right before we unleash a torrent of unsolicited criticism that burns down a friendship, and we walk away feeling like Jeremiah at the gate, when in fact we were just a jerk with a vocabulary. ‎ ‎Imagine a man who eats an entire extra-large pizza with extra garlic and anchovies, followed by a milkshake, right before bed. He falls into a fitful sleep, and in the depths of the night, his stomach begins to churn and boil like a cauldron in a witch's kitchen. A dream arises—a wild, vivid, Technicolor dream full of dragons, floods, and talking donkeys. He wakes up in a cold sweat, clutching his abdomen, and gasps, "A vision! A prophetic vision! God is warning me of impending doom and possibly a dietary restriction!" He immediately texts his prayer group: "Urgent: I believe the Lord is calling us to a season of fasting and apocalyptic readiness. I saw a donkey and a flood. Repent!" The prayer group, equally susceptible to the Bake-Off, responds with fire emojis and "Amen, brother, I felt a shift." Meanwhile, the real prophecy was the anchovies, and the only shift needed was in his late-night eating habits. The man has mistaken his gastric distress for divine revelation. And before you laugh too hard, ask yourself: how many of your "leadings" were just spiritual indigestion? How many of your "words from God" were just the echo of your own anxieties bouncing around an empty room, dressed in a robe and sandals? ‎ ‎The internal bake-off is fueled by a simple, terrible engine: the illusion that intensity equals authenticity. If I feel it hotly, it must be holy. This is the spiritual equivalent of mistaking a car alarm for an angelic choir. The car alarm is loud, it demands attention, it rattles the windows—but it's not a herald of the Second Coming. It's just a malfunctioning sensor on a Toyota Camry. Your emotions are the Camry. The alarm is going off. And you're on your knees in the parking lot, weeping, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," while a security guard taps you on the shoulder and says, "Sir, that's just your own panic. Also, your lights are on." ‎