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.

WATCH YOUR MOUTH: WHEN YOUR WORDS REVEAL YOUR HEART! Key Scripture “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” — James 3:10 (KJV) Thought of the Day... There is tremendous power in the words we speak. With our mouths, we praise God. We pray for the sick. We encourage the discouraged. We preach the gospel. We tell people that Jesus saves. We sing songs of worship and declare the goodness of God. Yet James confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: the same mouth that blesses God can also become a weapon that wounds people. We can shout “Hallelujah!” on Sunday and tear somebody down on Monday. We can quote Scripture and still gossip. We can pray for people publicly and speak evil about them privately. We can proclaim the love of Jesus while harboring hatred, prejudice, racism, bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness toward people created in the image of God. James says: “My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” — James 3:10 In other words, something is wrong when our confession and our conversation contradict each other. WHAT IS IN THE HEART WILL EVENTUALLY COME OUT OF THE MOUTH Jesus said: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” — Matthew 12:34 (KJV) Our words are more than sounds—they are often windows into the condition of our hearts. If bitterness continually comes from our mouths, we need to examine what is growing in our hearts. If hatred comes from our mouths, we need to examine our hearts. If racism, prejudice, degrading jokes, insults, gossip, slander, or cruelty continually come from our mouths, we cannot simply excuse it by saying, “That’s just how I talk.” Jesus teaches that our speech reveals something deeper. Sometimes we ask God to control our tongues when God is trying to transform our hearts. Because if God changes the heart, eventually the conversation will change. David prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 (KJV) We don't merely need better vocabulary. We need transformed hearts. FRESH WATER AND BITTER WATER SHOULD NOT COME FROM THE SAME SOURCE James continues: “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” — James 3:11 (KJV) James uses a simple picture with a powerful message. You wouldn't expect to approach a freshwater spring, take one drink and receive clean water, then take another drink and receive poison. Yet spiritually, that contradiction can happen with our mouths. One moment: “God is good!” The next moment: “I hate those people.” One moment: “Jesus loves everybody.” The next moment, we speak contemptuously about someone because of their race, background, nationality, social status, political differences, neighborhood, education, or past. James challenges us: How can blessing and cursing continually flow from the same source? The gospel does not merely change where we go on Sunday. The gospel changes who we are. And when Christ changes who we are, He should also change how we speak and how we treat people. YOU CANNOT CLAIM LIGHT WHILE PRACTICING HATRED The Apostle John writes: “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” — 1 John 2:9 (KJV) That Scripture should cause every believer to examine themselves. Christianity is not merely what we say we believe. It must become visible in how we live. Church attendance cannot substitute for transformation. A title cannot substitute for transformation. Preaching cannot substitute for transformation. Singing in the choir cannot substitute for transformation. Knowing Scripture cannot substitute for transformation. Jesus said: “By their fruits ye shall know them.” — Matthew 7:20 (KJV) And Paul tells us what Spirit-produced fruit looks like: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...” — Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) The question becomes: What kind of fruit is hanging from my life? RACISM AND PREJUDICE HAVE NO PLACE IN A CHRIST-SURRENDERED HEART Racism and prejudice contradict the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that Christ: “...hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” — Ephesians 2:14 (KJV) Jesus came tearing down walls that sin had built. Therefore, believers should not rebuild walls that Christ died to destroy. We cannot preach reconciliation while practicing division. We cannot celebrate grace for ourselves while denying dignity to others. We cannot ask God to judge people according to their skin while asking Him to judge us according to His mercy. At the foot of the cross, nobody has room to boast. We all needed the same Savior. We all needed the same blood. We all needed the same grace. We all needed the same forgiveness. And everyone who comes to Jesus must come the same way—by grace through faith. BUT THERE IS ALSO A DANGER IN SILENCE Our responsibility goes beyond refusing to participate in hatred ourselves. There are moments when love requires us to speak. Paul tells believers: “But speaking the truth in love...” — Ephesians 4:15 (KJV) Notice both sides. Truth. And love. Truth without love can become cruelty. Love without truth can become compromise. Biblical courage requires both. When hatred, racism, prejudice, or dehumanizing speech appears around us, believers should not laugh along simply because everyone else is laughing. We should not forward it. We should not encourage it. We should not excuse it because the person saying it is our friend, relative, coworker, church member, favorite celebrity, or someone whose views we otherwise share. There are moments when following Jesus means having enough courage to say: “That's wrong.” Not arrogantly. Not hatefully. Not self-righteously. But truthfully and lovingly. Because silence can sometimes communicate agreement where there should have been a godly witness. THE REAL QUESTION IS: DOES MY LIFE MATCH MY CONFESSION? It is easy to examine everybody else's words. But today's devotional isn't primarily about their mouth. It's about mine. Before pointing at someone else, I need to ask God: Lord, what is coming out of me? Do my private conversations sound like Jesus? Do my social media posts sound like Jesus? Do my jokes sound like Jesus? Do my comments about people who are different from me sound like Jesus? Do I speak differently when certain people leave the room? Would I be comfortable if Jesus physically sat beside me and listened to everything I said this week? That's where conviction becomes personal. David prayed: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” — Psalm 19:14 (KJV) Notice that David didn't pray only about his mouth. He prayed about his heart. Because God knows that if He transforms what is happening inside of us, it will eventually transform what comes out of us. TODAY'S CHALLENGE: WATCH YOUR MOUTH—AND CHECK YOUR HEART Before you speak today, ask yourself: Does this glorify God? Is it true? Is it necessary? Will it build someone up or unnecessarily tear someone down? Does this reflect the character of Jesus Christ? Would I say this if Jesus were visibly standing beside me? And when you fail—and all of us stumble in our words—don't excuse it. Repent. Ask forgiveness. Make it right when necessary. And allow the Holy Spirit to continue transforming you. Because spiritual maturity is not demonstrated only by how loudly we praise God. Sometimes it is demonstrated by knowing when to speak, what to speak, how to speak, and when to remain quiet. May our mouths never become instruments of hatred while claiming to represent the God of love. May our words never become weapons of destruction while claiming to follow the Prince of Peace. May the same mouths that proclaim Jesus also demonstrate His character. Because somebody is listening. Somebody is watching. And somebody may form an opinion about the Christ we profess by the way we speak to and about others. If Jesus lives in our hearts, eventually Jesus ought to show up in our words. CALL TO ACTION... • Examine your speech. Ask yourself whether your words consistently bless, encourage, heal, and glorify God—or whether they carry bitterness, gossip, prejudice, anger, or poison. • Examine your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to expose hidden prejudice, resentment, unforgiveness, pride, or hatred that may be influencing your words. • Repent quickly. When God convicts you about something you have said, don't justify it. Confess it, turn from it, and make amends when appropriate. • Refuse to participate in hatred. Don't laugh at it, share it, forward it, encourage it, or quietly help normalize it. • Speak truth in love. When circumstances require you to take a stand, have the courage to do so without becoming hateful yourself. • Walk in the Spirit daily. Ask God to make your speech evidence that Jesus Christ truly rules your heart. PRAYER... Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, I come before You asking You to search me completely. Your Word declares, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts”(Psalm 139:23). Lord, shine Your light into every hidden place within me. If there is bitterness in me, expose it. If there is hatred in me, remove it. If there is prejudice in me, confront it. If there is racism in me, uproot it. If there is unforgiveness in me, help me release it. If there is pride in me, humble me. If there is anything in my heart that does not look like Jesus, Lord, change me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Father, forgive me for every careless word I have spoken. Forgive me for words spoken in anger, words spoken out of pride, gossip, slander, insults, degrading jokes, prejudice, and anything else that dishonored You or wounded someone made in Your image. And Lord, forgive me for those moments when I should have spoken truth in love but remained silent because I was afraid of rejection, confrontation, or discomfort. Teach me when to speak and when to remain silent. Teach me how to speak truth without hatred. Teach me how to disagree without dishonoring. Teach me how to correct without condemning. Teach me how to stand boldly without losing the character of Christ. Father, place a guard over my mouth. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Holy Spirit, fill me until Your fruit overflows through my life—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Lord Jesus, make me an instrument of reconciliation in a divided world. Where hatred has built walls, use me to demonstrate love. Where racism has caused wounds, use me to promote healing. Where prejudice has created division, use me to demonstrate the reconciling power of the gospel. Where lies are being spoken, give me courage to stand for truth. But Father, never allow me to fight hatred with hatred. Never allow me to confront darkness while becoming dark myself. Let me overcome evil with good. I pray for every person who has been wounded by racism, prejudice, discrimination, hateful speech, rejection, or degrading treatment. Father, heal the places nobody else can see. Restore what hatred tried to steal. Remind them that their worth is not determined by another person's prejudice but by the God who created them in His image. And Lord, I pray for those whose hearts have been consumed by hatred. Convict them. Break the chains of prejudice. Open blinded eyes. Bring them to genuine repentance and allow them to encounter the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. And Father, start with me. Before I examine somebody else's mouth, help me examine mine. Before I judge somebody else's heart, search mine. Before I demand change from somebody else, show me where I need to change. I surrender my heart, my mind, my attitude, my conversations, my social media, my private words, and my public words to You. From this day forward, let my mouth be used as an instrument of Your glory. May I bless and not curse. Build up and not tear down. Heal and not wound. Encourage and not discourage. Speak truth and reject lies. Promote reconciliation and not division. And above everything else, may my words cause people to see Jesus Christ living in me. I declare: My mouth belongs to God. My words belong to God. My heart belongs to God. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, I will strive to make sure that what comes out of my mouth agrees with the Christ I claim lives within my heart. In the mighty, matchless, saving, transforming, and powerful name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen and Amen! Final Thought... Don't just ask God to change your vocabulary—ask Him to change your heart. Because when Jesus truly transforms the heart, eventually the mouth will testify that something on the inside has changed. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” — James 3:10 (KJV)

Ellen G. White THE THIRD MESSAGE CLOSED I was pointed down to the time when the third angel’s message was closing. The power of God had rested upon His people; they had accomplished their work and were prepared for the trying hour before them. They had received the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and the living testimony had been revived. The last great warning had sounded everywhere, and it had stirred up and enraged the inhabitants of the earth who would not receive the message. I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel with a writer’s inkhorn by his side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and the saints were numbered and sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had been ministering before the ark containing the ten commandments, throw down the censer. He raised His hands, and with a loud voice said, “It is done.” And all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. As Jesus moved out of the most holy place, I heard the tinkling of the bells upon His garment; and as He left, a cloud of darkness covered the inhabitants of the earth. There was then no mediator between guilty man and an offended God. While Jesus had been standing between God and guilty man, a restraint was upon the people; but when He stepped out from between man and the Father, the restraint was removed and Satan had entire control of the finally impenitent. It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the sanctuary; but as His work there is finished, and His intercession closes, there is nothing to stay the wrath of God, and it breaks with fury upon the shelterless head of the guilty sinner, who has slighted salvation and hated reproof. In that fearful time, after the close of Jesus’ mediation, the saints were living in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. Every case was decided, every jewel numbered. Jesus tarried a moment in the outer apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and the sins which had been confessed while He was in the most holy place were placed upon Satan, the originator of sin, who must suffer their punishment. Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns, a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left heaven. The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth. Some were denouncing God and cursing Him. Others rushed to the people of God and begged to be taught how they might escape His judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to plead for them, and cry, “Spare, spare the sinner a little longer.” All heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, “It is done. It is finished.” The plan of salvation had been accomplished, but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy’s sweet voice died away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness they heard the words, “Too late! too late!” Those who had not prized God’s Word were hurrying to and fro, wandering from sea to sea, and from the north to the east, to seek the Word of the Lord. Said the angel, “They shall not find it. There is a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but for hearing the words of the Lord. What would they not give for one word of approval from God! but no, they must hunger and thirst on. Day after day have they slighted salvation, prizing earthly riches and earthly pleasure higher than any heavenly treasure or inducement. They have rejected Jesus and despised His saints. The filthy must remain filthy forever.” Many of the wicked were greatly enraged as they suffered the effects of the plagues. It was a scene of fearful agony. Parents were bitterly reproaching their children, and children their parents, brothers their sisters, and sisters their brothers. Loud, wailing cries were heard in every direction, “It was you who kept me from receiving the truth which would have saved me from this awful hour.” The people turned upon their ministers with bitter hate and reproached them, saying, “You have not warned us. You told us that all the world was to be converted, and cried, Peace, peace, to quiet every fear that was aroused. You have not told us of this hour; and those who warned us of it you declared to be fanatics and evil men, who would ruin us.” But I saw that the ministers did not escape the wrath of God. Their suffering was tenfold greater than that of their people. EW 279 - EW 282.1

"They have all gone out of the way, they have together become corrupt, there is none that does good, no not one. Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have used deceit. The poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes." - Psalm 14:3

The book of James cycles through a handful of themes that are introduced in the first chapter and revisited throughout the letter. One of these themes is the tongue, which James compares to a rudder, a fire, a horse’s bit, and poison (3:1-12). The tongue is important to monitor, especially for teachers (vv. 1-2). It’s also difficult to tame, he says, and rare is the person who has control over it (v. 8). How refreshing it is, then, when a person is “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (1:19). Words that honor God are like a spring of water that overflows with “praise” rather than “cursing” (3:9-10) and “[produces] the righteousness God desires” (1:20). This kind of righteous life is characterized by heavenly wisdom that’s “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (3:17-18).

7 You used to do them when your life was still part of this world; 8 but now is the time to cast off and throw away all these rotten garments of anger, hatred, cursing, and dirty language

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY JULY 22, 2026. "ENCOURAGEMENT--IT'S A POWERFUL THING" ‘If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.’  Romans 12:8 NLT MANY A man and woman who quit would have kept going if they had just received a word of encouragement from someone. Encouragement is so vital that the Scriptures rank it up there with gifts like teaching and leadership (Romans 12:6-8). Here are two stories that illustrate the power of encouragement. Story one: Not long ago, the world watched as three grey whales, icebound off Point Barrow, Alaska, floated battered and bloody, gasping for breath at a hole in the ice. The whales’ only hope was to be somehow transported five miles past the ice pack to the open sea. Rescuers began cutting a string of breathing holes about twenty yards apart in the six-inch thick ice. For eight days they painstakingly coaxed the whales from one hole to the next, mile after mile. Along the way, one of the trio vanished and was presumed dead. But finally, with the help of Russian icebreakers, the other two whales, Putu and Siku, swam to freedom. Story two: Jackie Robinson was the first black player in the US to play major league baseball. While breaking baseball’s colour barrier, he faced jeering crowds in every stadium. Playing one day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he made an error and his own fans began to boo him. As he stood, humiliated, at second base, ‘Pee Wee’ Reese came over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Robinson and they faced the crowd together. The fans grew quiet; the game continued. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career! Encouragement—it’s a powerful thing. So who can you encourage today? Bible In A Year: Acts 27-28; Matt11;10-18; Ps42:1-5; Pro 16:16. 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. [21/07, 8:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY, 2026``` *DAWNING DAY OF RESTORATION* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOEL 3:14-21```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim" (JOEL 3:18).*_ *It was in Alfred Tennyson's poem, _The Lotos-Eaters,_ that the following picture of hope is captured:* _*"Courage!" he said, and pointed toward the land,*_ _*"This mounting wave will roll us shoreward soon.*_ _*In the afternoon they came unto a land,*_ _*In which it seemed always afternoon.*_ _*All round the coast the languid air did swoon,*_ _*Breathing like one that hath a weary dream."*_ *The sea-wearied mariners finally found the shore of solace, where they excitedly burst into a joyful chorus:* _*"Our island home is far beyond the wave;*_ _*We will no longer roam."*_ *A day of hope and restoration awaits the Israel of God after the Lord has dealt with their Gentile enemies. Prophet Joel saw in his vision hordes of God's enemies rushing headlong and mindlessly into the 'valley of God's decisive judgment.' A day of divine recompense is yet in the womb of time. Israel should be assured of God's unfailing day of their full restoration to the land promised to them by the Lord. Over many generations, their enemies had enslaved, deprived and vexed them with untempered bitterness. The Assyrians had ill-used them; the Egyptians had abused them; the Babylonians had traduced them; they had suffered untold hardship under the rule of the Medians and the Persians. The Greeks had not spared them too. The Romans had ruthlessly brutalised them and razed down Jerusalem finally in 70 AD.* *However, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." These pains and pangs of many centuries under alien nations will soon be over, and a new dawn of peace, prosperity, and divine presence will be in the offing for Israel.* *As it was for the enemies of Israel, so it shall be in the end for the enemies of the church of Christ. In contrast, the future is bright for those who have a cordial relationship with the Lord. People who trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour will never be called into God's judgment court, and they no longer need to fear the storm. Therefore, let the beloved of the Lord take heart and be patient in times of bitter trials, temptations and fierce persecutions. "Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Like the chorus of the Lotos-Eaters, these mounting waves of trials and temptation shall roll us eventually to the shore of rest!* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Every adversity confronting God's people bears an expiry date.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *EXODUS 20-22*📜📜 Dawning Day Of Restoration https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS; AND GHS 30: I'VE ANCHORED IN JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna22ndJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/07, 8:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY, 2026``` *DISAPPOINTMENT FOR CHARMERS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧜🏽‍♂️🧞❌👎🏽🗣️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:NUMBERS 23:19-23```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!" (NUMBERS 23:23).*_ *Lydia, a young lady, was drawn into the world of charms and superstitions, searching for a shortcut to success. She was introduced to a so-called "charmer" who promised wealth and fame; but despite following prescribed ritual processes, her life only became more chaotic. Her relationships suffered, and she felt emptier than ever before.* *One day, after a powerful encounter with God, she realised that true success and peace could never come through charms or quick fixes. She turned away from the illusions of the world and chose to trust in God's plan for her life. "Charms and spells may deceive the heart, but only truth sets the soul free," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.* *In Numbers 23:19-23, we learn that no matter how powerful the charmers or magicians might seem, God's plans cannot be thwarted. Balaam, despite being hired to curse Israel, could only bless them because God's will is unshakable. The Bible says in Numbers 23:23, "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel".* *This is a reminder to us youths that no charm or superstition can have power over our lives when we are under God's protection. True power comes from trusting in God's plans, not in the fleeting allure of charms.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Truth sets the soul free.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Choose God's power, not charms.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, protect me from the deception of charms.*_ Disappointment For Charmers https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday22ndJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/07, 8:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY, 2026``` *THE LORD BLESSES* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```GENESIS 26:11-14```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him" (Genesis 26:12).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Isaac was a friend of God. The protection of God was on him. Abimelech warned his people who had been disturbing Isaac to stop their wicked activities towards him. This was God's favour on him. Isaac learned to love the Lord from the time he was a young child. He was that boy who willingly gave himself to his father to be offered as a sacrificie to God. God was happy with him and provided a ram from heaven to his father for the burnt offering. The blessing of Abraham passed on to him not just because he was Abraham's son, but because he, personally, loved and obeyed the Lord. God always blesses those children who love and obey Him. Isaac was not slothful or lazy either. Though he inherited covenant blessings from his father, yet, he worked very hard. Our Bible passage confirms that God blessed Isaac more and more. It is not enough to know and quote the promises of God for Him to bless you. If you know all the promises of God in your heart and fold your arms and do not work, the blessings of God's provision may not come. Isaac had all-round blessings. *The same God who promises to make you the head and not the tail, is the same who has warned us not to be slothful in business; but rather, consider the ants who work hard at the right time. As you turn away from that lazy and procrastinating attitude, God will bless all you do.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, help me to love and obey You, and work hard so that You will bless me.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Psalm 1:1-3* The Lord Blesses https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk22ndJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/07, 8:59 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 22ND JULY, 2026. *EVENTS THAT MUST COME TO PASS* *TEXT:* JOEL 3:14-21. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. 17 So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. 18 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth out of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim. 19 Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. 20 But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. 21 For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion. *Timeless Truth:* _"Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision"_ (Joel 3:14). *INTRODUCTION* The information of the last days events that must come to pass are scattered in different Books of the Old and the New Testament. None of the prophets gave comprehensive information on any of the subjects except those given by Jesus Christ and John the Beloved on the Island of Patmos. However, combining the revelation of those prophets will give a more comprehensive information of the things that must shortly come to pass. The closing verses of Joel present a prophetic picture of the events that will culminate in God's final judgment and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. These are not uncertain predictions, but divine decrees that must come to pass according to God's eternal purpose. The passage reminds believers that history is moving toward God's appointed climax, where every individual and nation will give an account before Him. Therefore, the wise prepare themselves spiritually, remain faithful and confidently await the fulfilment of God's promises. *1. The Determinate Valley of Decision* a. God created man as a free moral agent and therefore, he is expected to make his decisions and be fully responsible for his decisions. God only gives the needed information and persuades people to choose right and in the light of eternity. He told Israel as He still tells all today, *". I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: ".* Decision always determine destiny. Right and divinely informed decisions will lead to eternal life while carefree and selfish decisions will lead to eternal damnation. In the text, the prophet was made to see far into *"the day of the LORD"* and into the valley of decision. *"Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision..."*. *The day of the LORD* describes the gathering of nations before God's judgment. Decisions are both ways. Man must make His decision before that day when God will make His decision as to what to do with the wicked. The "valley of decision" is where people seal their choices after their decisions and where God pronounces His irreversible verdict. *The day of the LORD* is certain and no sinner will escape His righteous judgment. b. God always gives opportunities for people to make their decision and He also will judge all base on their personal and individual decisions made. While God's grace is available today, the opportunity to repent will not remain forever. Every person must respond to Christ before the day of divine judgment arrives. It was not only Joel that had the vision of impending judgment of nations and individuals. Virtually, most the prophets saw it and it is irreversible. It will happen. *Question* Are you living each day with the consciousness that you will one day stand before God's judgment seat? *2. The Deadly Visions of Destruction* a. Joel portrays terrifying cosmic disturbances: *". The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. "*. This has to do with the event at the Great Tribulation period preceding the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus confirmed it in Matthew 24:21,27-30. These signs reveal the majesty and holiness of God as He judges evil. The wrath of God during the Great Tribulation will be so fearful that *"the heavens and the earth shall shake"*. b. The prophet concentrates on the fate of Israel as a nation during this period. *"The LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel"*. Israel will be protected from the wicked onslaught of the Antichrist. Though the wicked will do wickedly, God's people will find refuge in Him. God's people will always be given shelter, protection and refuge from His wrath and the wickedness of the wicked.The same Lord who shakes heaven and earth is the secure shelter of those who trust Him. His judgment is dreadful for sinners, but comforting for the righteous. God is always our refuge in trouble. *Question* Is the Lord your refuge or are you relying on temporary earthly securities? *3.The Divine Visitations According to Decisions* a. The decisions people make will determine God's response to them. Every decision you make at any instance either draws you closer to God or farther away from God. Be always mindful of your decisions. Egypt and Edom will become desolate during the Millennial reign of Christ *"because they have shed innocent blood in their land"*. It is the opposite of the holy Jerusalem because they will be cleansed of their sins. In the time of the Millennial reign of Christ, there will be abundant prosperity, the visible presence of God and unlimited blessings for the godly. *"The mountains shall drop down......and the hills shall flow with milk"*. God's visitations are consistent with His justice: He rewards faithfulness and judges rebellion. Eternal blessing belongs to those who belong to Him. b. The wicked may appear to prosper and enjoy this world, but their end is regret, sorrow and judgment of God. The righteous may appear to lack and righteousness may not be fashionable in the land, but the righteous will always have the last laugh if they can endure faithfully to the end. *Question* Are your daily decisions leading you toward God's eternal blessings or toward His judgment? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, help me to live every day in readiness for the coming Day of the Lord and to remain faithful until the end 🙏. 2.Father, be my refuge and strength in every trial and preserve me from the judgments coming upon the world 🙏. 3.Lord, let my decisions always align with Your perfect will so that I will enjoy Your favour and everlasting blessings 🙏. 4.Father, establish Your righteousness in our lives, keep us steadfast in Christ, make and keep us ready for Your glorious kingdom 🙏. *HYMN:* Have you counted the cost *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* EXODUS 20-22. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. ⏤ Revelation 3:20 If we would understand the potential power of our homes, we would fall on our knees and ask God to make our homes sanctuaries of peace and love. ⏤ E.M. Bounds Our Father, we thank You for our home. Many people in this great world are homeless and lonely. You have given us a home with many comforts. We are grateful for it and pray that Your blessing may be upon our home life. We thank You, Jesus, that You are willing to be a guest in our home. We remember how You blessed and brought joy to the home in Bethany when You were on earth. May You make our home Your dwelling place, just as You did with Martha and Mary. May Your peace rest upon our home. Help us to make our family life sweet and beautiful, pleasing to You, and comforting to You when You come to stay with us. Let us never grieve You with selfish behavior, quarreling, or strife. Help us to offer You true hospitality, not just within our doors, but also within our hearts. We want to welcome You into every part of our lives, shutting You out of no room—letting You dwell in us fully and completely so that all our life may feel Your influence and be blessed by Your Spirit and love. We want to become like You, and we know we can only do that if You live in our hearts and pour Your grace through every part of our being. As we go out now to face the experiences of this new day, we place our hands in Yours, asking You to lead us and guide us. You have promised that as our days are, so shall our strength be. You know what this day holds for us and what strength we will need; may You provide what we need as each moment comes. We ask for these mercies and favors in Your blessed name, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/17/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY JULY 22, 2026. "ENCOURAGEMENT--IT'S A POWERFUL THING" ‘If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.’  Romans 12:8 NLT MANY A man and woman who quit would have kept going if they had just received a word of encouragement from someone. Encouragement is so vital that the Scriptures rank it up there with gifts like teaching and leadership (Romans 12:6-8). Here are two stories that illustrate the power of encouragement. Story one: Not long ago, the world watched as three grey whales, icebound off Point Barrow, Alaska, floated battered and bloody, gasping for breath at a hole in the ice. The whales’ only hope was to be somehow transported five miles past the ice pack to the open sea. Rescuers began cutting a string of breathing holes about twenty yards apart in the six-inch thick ice. For eight days they painstakingly coaxed the whales from one hole to the next, mile after mile. Along the way, one of the trio vanished and was presumed dead. But finally, with the help of Russian icebreakers, the other two whales, Putu and Siku, swam to freedom. Story two: Jackie Robinson was the first black player in the US to play major league baseball. While breaking baseball’s colour barrier, he faced jeering crowds in every stadium. Playing one day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he made an error and his own fans began to boo him. As he stood, humiliated, at second base, ‘Pee Wee’ Reese came over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Robinson and they faced the crowd together. The fans grew quiet; the game continued. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career! Encouragement—it’s a powerful thing. So who can you encourage today? Bible In A Year: Acts 27-28; Matt11;10-18; Ps42:1-5; Pro 16:16. 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. [21/07, 8:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY, 2026``` *DAWNING DAY OF RESTORATION* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOEL 3:14-21```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim" (JOEL 3:18).*_ *It was in Alfred Tennyson's poem, _The Lotos-Eaters,_ that the following picture of hope is captured:* _*"Courage!" he said, and pointed toward the land,*_ _*"This mounting wave will roll us shoreward soon.*_ _*In the afternoon they came unto a land,*_ _*In which it seemed always afternoon.*_ _*All round the coast the languid air did swoon,*_ _*Breathing like one that hath a weary dream."*_ *The sea-wearied mariners finally found the shore of solace, where they excitedly burst into a joyful chorus:* _*"Our island home is far beyond the wave;*_ _*We will no longer roam."*_ *A day of hope and restoration awaits the Israel of God after the Lord has dealt with their Gentile enemies. Prophet Joel saw in his vision hordes of God's enemies rushing headlong and mindlessly into the 'valley of God's decisive judgment.' A day of divine recompense is yet in the womb of time. Israel should be assured of God's unfailing day of their full restoration to the land promised to them by the Lord. Over many generations, their enemies had enslaved, deprived and vexed them with untempered bitterness. The Assyrians had ill-used them; the Egyptians had abused them; the Babylonians had traduced them; they had suffered untold hardship under the rule of the Medians and the Persians. The Greeks had not spared them too. The Romans had ruthlessly brutalised them and razed down Jerusalem finally in 70 AD.* *However, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." These pains and pangs of many centuries under alien nations will soon be over, and a new dawn of peace, prosperity, and divine presence will be in the offing for Israel.* *As it was for the enemies of Israel, so it shall be in the end for the enemies of the church of Christ. In contrast, the future is bright for those who have a cordial relationship with the Lord. People who trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour will never be called into God's judgment court, and they no longer need to fear the storm. Therefore, let the beloved of the Lord take heart and be patient in times of bitter trials, temptations and fierce persecutions. "Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Like the chorus of the Lotos-Eaters, these mounting waves of trials and temptation shall roll us eventually to the shore of rest!* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Every adversity confronting God's people bears an expiry date.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *EXODUS 20-22*📜📜 Dawning Day Of Restoration https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS; AND GHS 30: I'VE ANCHORED IN JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna22ndJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/07, 8:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY, 2026``` *DISAPPOINTMENT FOR CHARMERS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧜🏽‍♂️🧞❌👎🏽🗣️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:NUMBERS 23:19-23```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!" (NUMBERS 23:23).*_ *Lydia, a young lady, was drawn into the world of charms and superstitions, searching for a shortcut to success. She was introduced to a so-called "charmer" who promised wealth and fame; but despite following prescribed ritual processes, her life only became more chaotic. Her relationships suffered, and she felt emptier than ever before.* *One day, after a powerful encounter with God, she realised that true success and peace could never come through charms or quick fixes. She turned away from the illusions of the world and chose to trust in God's plan for her life. "Charms and spells may deceive the heart, but only truth sets the soul free," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.* *In Numbers 23:19-23, we learn that no matter how powerful the charmers or magicians might seem, God's plans cannot be thwarted. Balaam, despite being hired to curse Israel, could only bless them because God's will is unshakable. The Bible says in Numbers 23:23, "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel".* *This is a reminder to us youths that no charm or superstition can have power over our lives when we are under God's protection. True power comes from trusting in God's plans, not in the fleeting allure of charms.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Truth sets the soul free.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Choose God's power, not charms.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, protect me from the deception of charms.*_ Disappointment For Charmers https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday22ndJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/07, 8:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY, 2026``` *THE LORD BLESSES* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```GENESIS 26:11-14```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him" (Genesis 26:12).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Isaac was a friend of God. The protection of God was on him. Abimelech warned his people who had been disturbing Isaac to stop their wicked activities towards him. This was God's favour on him. Isaac learned to love the Lord from the time he was a young child. He was that boy who willingly gave himself to his father to be offered as a sacrificie to God. God was happy with him and provided a ram from heaven to his father for the burnt offering. The blessing of Abraham passed on to him not just because he was Abraham's son, but because he, personally, loved and obeyed the Lord. God always blesses those children who love and obey Him. Isaac was not slothful or lazy either. Though he inherited covenant blessings from his father, yet, he worked very hard. Our Bible passage confirms that God blessed Isaac more and more. It is not enough to know and quote the promises of God for Him to bless you. If you know all the promises of God in your heart and fold your arms and do not work, the blessings of God's provision may not come. Isaac had all-round blessings. *The same God who promises to make you the head and not the tail, is the same who has warned us not to be slothful in business; but rather, consider the ants who work hard at the right time. As you turn away from that lazy and procrastinating attitude, God will bless all you do.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, help me to love and obey You, and work hard so that You will bless me.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Psalm 1:1-3* The Lord Blesses https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk22ndJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/07, 8:59 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 22ND JULY, 2026. *EVENTS THAT MUST COME TO PASS* *TEXT:* JOEL 3:14-21. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. 17 So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. 18 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth out of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim. 19 Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. 20 But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. 21 For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion. *Timeless Truth:* _"Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision"_ (Joel 3:14). *INTRODUCTION* The information of the last days events that must come to pass are scattered in different Books of the Old and the New Testament. None of the prophets gave comprehensive information on any of the subjects except those given by Jesus Christ and John the Beloved on the Island of Patmos. However, combining the revelation of those prophets will give a more comprehensive information of the things that must shortly come to pass. The closing verses of Joel present a prophetic picture of the events that will culminate in God's final judgment and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. These are not uncertain predictions, but divine decrees that must come to pass according to God's eternal purpose. The passage reminds believers that history is moving toward God's appointed climax, where every individual and nation will give an account before Him. Therefore, the wise prepare themselves spiritually, remain faithful and confidently await the fulfilment of God's promises. *1. The Determinate Valley of Decision* a. God created man as a free moral agent and therefore, he is expected to make his decisions and be fully responsible for his decisions. God only gives the needed information and persuades people to choose right and in the light of eternity. He told Israel as He still tells all today, *". I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: ".* Decision always determine destiny. Right and divinely informed decisions will lead to eternal life while carefree and selfish decisions will lead to eternal damnation. In the text, the prophet was made to see far into *"the day of the LORD"* and into the valley of decision. *"Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision..."*. *The day of the LORD* describes the gathering of nations before God's judgment. Decisions are both ways. Man must make His decision before that day when God will make His decision as to what to do with the wicked. The "valley of decision" is where people seal their choices after their decisions and where God pronounces His irreversible verdict. *The day of the LORD* is certain and no sinner will escape His righteous judgment. b. God always gives opportunities for people to make their decision and He also will judge all base on their personal and individual decisions made. While God's grace is available today, the opportunity to repent will not remain forever. Every person must respond to Christ before the day of divine judgment arrives. It was not only Joel that had the vision of impending judgment of nations and individuals. Virtually, most the prophets saw it and it is irreversible. It will happen. *Question* Are you living each day with the consciousness that you will one day stand before God's judgment seat? *2. The Deadly Visions of Destruction* a. Joel portrays terrifying cosmic disturbances: *". The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. "*. This has to do with the event at the Great Tribulation period preceding the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus confirmed it in Matthew 24:21,27-30. These signs reveal the majesty and holiness of God as He judges evil. The wrath of God during the Great Tribulation will be so fearful that *"the heavens and the earth shall shake"*. b. The prophet concentrates on the fate of Israel as a nation during this period. *"The LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel"*. Israel will be protected from the wicked onslaught of the Antichrist. Though the wicked will do wickedly, God's people will find refuge in Him. God's people will always be given shelter, protection and refuge from His wrath and the wickedness of the wicked.The same Lord who shakes heaven and earth is the secure shelter of those who trust Him. His judgment is dreadful for sinners, but comforting for the righteous. God is always our refuge in trouble. *Question* Is the Lord your refuge or are you relying on temporary earthly securities? *3.The Divine Visitations According to Decisions* a. The decisions people make will determine God's response to them. Every decision you make at any instance either draws you closer to God or farther away from God. Be always mindful of your decisions. Egypt and Edom will become desolate during the Millennial reign of Christ *"because they have shed innocent blood in their land"*. It is the opposite of the holy Jerusalem because they will be cleansed of their sins. In the time of the Millennial reign of Christ, there will be abundant prosperity, the visible presence of God and unlimited blessings for the godly. *"The mountains shall drop down......and the hills shall flow with milk"*. God's visitations are consistent with His justice: He rewards faithfulness and judges rebellion. Eternal blessing belongs to those who belong to Him. b. The wicked may appear to prosper and enjoy this world, but their end is regret, sorrow and judgment of God. The righteous may appear to lack and righteousness may not be fashionable in the land, but the righteous will always have the last laugh if they can endure faithfully to the end. *Question* Are your daily decisions leading you toward God's eternal blessings or toward His judgment? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, help me to live every day in readiness for the coming Day of the Lord and to remain faithful until the end 🙏. 2.Father, be my refuge and strength in every trial and preserve me from the judgments coming upon the world 🙏. 3.Lord, let my decisions always align with Your perfect will so that I will enjoy Your favour and everlasting blessings 🙏. 4.Father, establish Your righteousness in our lives, keep us steadfast in Christ, make and keep us ready for Your glorious kingdom 🙏. *HYMN:* Have you counted the cost *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* EXODUS 20-22. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. ⏤ Revelation 3:20 If we would understand the potential power of our homes, we would fall on our knees and ask God to make our homes sanctuaries of peace and love. ⏤ E.M. Bounds Our Father, we thank You for our home. Many people in this great world are homeless and lonely. You have given us a home with many comforts. We are grateful for it and pray that Your blessing may be upon our home life. We thank You, Jesus, that You are willing to be a guest in our home. We remember how You blessed and brought joy to the home in Bethany when You were on earth. May You make our home Your dwelling place, just as You did with Martha and Mary. May Your peace rest upon our home. Help us to make our family life sweet and beautiful, pleasing to You, and comforting to You when You come to stay with us. Let us never grieve You with selfish behavior, quarreling, or strife. Help us to offer You true hospitality, not just within our doors, but also within our hearts. We want to welcome You into every part of our lives, shutting You out of no room—letting You dwell in us fully and completely so that all our life may feel Your influence and be blessed by Your Spirit and love. We want to become like You, and we know we can only do that if You live in our hearts and pour Your grace through every part of our being. As we go out now to face the experiences of this new day, we place our hands in Yours, asking You to lead us and guide us. You have promised that as our days are, so shall our strength be. You know what this day holds for us and what strength we will need; may You provide what we need as each moment comes. We ask for these mercies and favors in Your blessed name, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/17/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Psalm 59 Deliver Me from My Enemies To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. deiver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lo for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see! You, Lord God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. There they are, bellowing wi th their mouths with swords in their lips— for “Who,” they think,“will hear us?” But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision. O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them [wander] by your power and bring them down, O Lord, our shield! For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter, consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the endEs of the earth. Selah Eeach evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill. But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.